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.
By Chaz Chambers, Founder of Havana Music Tours It’s a snowy spring morning in Colorado—the kind that makes you pause, sip your coffee a little slower, and let the moment unfold. My six-month-old son is hanging out with me in…
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…
Donation guidance reviewed October 1, 2026. Ask the receiving organization for its current needs before packing; the Hurricane Oscar account below describes work in 2024. Cuba is a nation rich in culture, community, and resilience. However, many families face daily…
Cuba is a country where music flows through every street, home, and heart. Its vibrant rhythms, from son and salsa to classical and jazz, have earned global admiration. However, behind this rich cultural tapestry lies a reality where many musicians…
Best Cuban Restaurants (Reviewed September 2026) Restaurant hours, menus, and availability can change; reservations are recommended. By Chaz Chambers(Musician, Tour Guide Leader, and Director of Havana Music Tours and Musical Getaways) There are many great restaurant options around Havana, Cuba, but these are a…
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…
Santiago de Cuba, often overshadowed by Havana, offers an authentic and profound musical experience. The city’s historical significance as the birthplace of Son music (as we know it today), Cuba’s most emblematic musical genre, gives it a unique cultural resonance.…
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…
This article reports our 2024 Tripadvisor award. Tour dates, group sizes and offers mentioned below describe that period; see our current tours for new bookings. We’re beyond excited to share that Havana Music Tours has been honored to be the…
We are thrilled to announce that the World Travel Awards have named Cuba Caribbean’s Leading Cultural Destination 2024. This prestigious recognition highlights Cuba’s unique contributions to cultural heritage and the arts, making it an essential destination for anyone interested in…