A Musical Route Across Cuba: How the Island’s Regions Shaped Its Sound
A listening route through Cuba’s regional traditions, from changüí and son in the east to rumba in Matanzas and Havana’s urban musical currents.
Category All posts
Stories about Cuban music, culture, travel and the people behind the traditions. Browse artist profiles, listening guides, historical reporting and practical trip-planning advice from the Havana Music Tours archive.
Looking for an upcoming trip? Explore current Cuba music tours.
Cuban Music Quick Guide: Son Cubano, Rumba, Timba, Jazz and More
Cuban music has never been one single sound. It developed across different regions, communities and periods of Cuban history, producing traditions with distinct musical structures, instruments and social functions. Son cubano, rumba, danzón, mambo, cha-cha-chá, trova, bolero, Afro-Cuban jazz, songo…
Havana Jazz Festival 2027: Why Jazz Plaza Is One of the Best Times to Visit Cuba
Every January, Havana becomes one of the most important places in the world for Cuban jazz. The Havana Jazz Festival, also known as Jazz Plaza, brings together Cuban musicians, international artists, students, jazz lovers, travelers, and people who want to…
May 2026: Travel, Cultural Exchange, and Our Work in Cuba
Historical context — reviewed September 2026: This post reflects conditions and commentary at the time it was written. Travel rules, schedules, and conditions can change. For current planning, see our current U.S.–Cuba travel guide and September 2026 Cuba travel checklist.…
March 2026: Our Work and Travel News in Cuba
Historical context — reviewed September 2026: This post reflects conditions and commentary at the time it was written. Travel rules, schedules, and conditions can change. For current planning, see our current U.S.–Cuba travel guide and September 2026 Cuba travel checklist.…
The History of Jazz Plaza: A Celebration of Music, Culture, and Unity
Jazz Plaza is one of Cuba’s most important music events. Known internationally as the Havana Jazz Festival, it began in Havana in 1980 and has grown into a major meeting point for Cuban musicians, international artists, composers, students, critics, and…
February 2026: A Personal Update on Cuba and Our Work There
Dear Music Traveler Friends, Historical context — reviewed September 2026: This post reflects conditions and commentary at the time it was written. Travel rules, schedules, and conditions can change. For current planning, see our current U.S.–Cuba travel guide and September…
Havana Jazz Plaza Festival 2026 Program: What to Expect This January in Cuba
Past festival archive — reviewed September 2026: This article covers an earlier edition of Jazz Plaza. For current information, see our Havana Jazz Festival 2027 guide and 2027 Havana Jazz Festival Tour. The official program for the 41st Havana Jazz…
Cuba Travel Checklist (Reviewed September 2026)
Cuba Travel Checklist (Reviewed September 2026) What To Bring And How To Prepare For Your Cuba Trip Passport & Cuban eVisa The first thing you need to add to your Cuba Travel Checklist is your passport. Current U.S. State Department…
Son Cubano Is UNESCO’s Newest Heritage: Why It’s the Soul of Cuban Music
UNESCO has officially inscribed the practice of Cuban Son on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. For Cuba, this recognition affirms a truth musicians, families, and communities have carried for generations: Son Cubano is not merely…