Havana Events

Founded in 1984, the Havana Biennial is widely acknowledged as the most important meeting place for fine artists from non-western countries. For one month, the vibrant metropolis of Havana is transformed into a sprawling, city-wide exhibition, as both Cuban and international artists take over urban spaces, galleries and cultural institutions.

Huge street party with drunken crowds and dancing.

First held in 1979, this popular annual event takes place in December each year. Screenings take place in various cinemas in Havana and showcase the very best in films from Latin America. The focus is very much on new cinema, with up-and-coming directors being given a platform to showcase their movies to a big audience.

Best of Cuban and international jazz musicians.

Smokers of rich Cuban tobacco, known to be the world’s finest, will enjoy Havana's annual Habano Cuban Cigar Festival when visitors can discover the workings behind cigar factories and tobacco plantations, try new cigars and attend seminars and workshops.

Winter festival of Cuban dance by the country's top notch modern troupe.

Millions pack the Plaza de la Revolución to celebrate workers rights.

Held in various venues throughout the city, the biennial Havana International Guitar Festival invites players from all over the world to perform for passionate crowds at this fun event. A number of different styles and genres are performed during the festival and the event usually closes with a big gala concert on the final day. Incredibly popular throughout the city, tickets usually sell out well in advance of the day so visitors are advised to book early.

One of the biggest and best-loved events of its kind in the country, the International Ballet Festival of Havana attracts some of the top dancers from around the world who perform along with artists from the country's own National Ballet of Cuba. The first ever International Ballet Festival of Havana was held in 1960 and became a biennial event from 1974. To this day, the event continues to be one of the most prestigious ballet festivals in Cuba.