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.
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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…
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…
Music Festivals in Cuba (Reviewed September 2026) Current tour note: Festival schedules and lineups can change. Havana Music Tours currently offers an open-signup Havana Jazz Festival Tour for January 26–February 1, 2027. The other festival itineraries below can be arranged…
Nestled on the southeastern coast of Cuba, Santiago de Cuba stands as a testament to the island’s rich tapestry of history, culture, and music. As the birthplace of the Cuban Revolution and the son musical genre, this vibrant city offers…