Read festival reports, artist stories and past program announcements from Cuba’s music scene. Check each article’s year for historical context. For current planning information, visit our music festivals in Cuba page; dates and programs depend on organizer confirmation.
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…
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…
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…
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. Every January, Havana becomes the heart of Latin…
Cuba doesn’t just play music — it breathes it. Especially when it comes to salsa and timba, the pulse of the island is in the basslines, the brass, and the call-and-response between singer and crowd. Whether you’re deep into the…
Looking Back, Looking Ahead at the Havana Salsa Festival Historical festival reflection — reviewed September 2026: This article looks back at the 2024 Havana Salsa Festival. We can build a private custom itinerary around a future festival edition when dates…
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. This January, the Havana Jazz Festival celebrates its…
Historical festival article — reviewed September 2026: This post covers the 2024 Varadero Josone Music Festival. The festival remains available as inspiration for a private custom Cuba music tour when dates and availability allow. Havana Music Tours is pleased to…
If you love music or enjoy exploring unique cultural events, the Havana Jazz Festival is a must-visit. Held annually in Cuba’s lively capital, this festival truly celebrates jazz, culture, and the enchanting spirit of Havana. Here’s why this remarkable event…
The Symbiotic Journey of Cuban Music and Jazz: From Havana to New Orleans and New York By Yami Cabrera (Cuban musicologist and Co-Director of Havana Music Tours and Musical Getaways) In the realm of music, few genres demonstrate the dynamic interplay of cultural…