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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Cuba Travel Licenses for Americans Updated for the OFAC rule effective September 30, 2026. U.S. travel to Cuba for tourist activities is not permitted. OFAC continues to recognize 12 categories of authorized travel-related transactions, but the general licenses within some…
Updated for the OFAC rule effective September 30, 2026. Americans can still travel to Cuba when the travel-related transactions are authorized under the Cuban Assets Control Regulations. Ordinary tourist travel remains prohibited. A traveler does not apply to OFAC for…
Havana Jazz Festival Are you a jazz enthusiast looking to immerse yourself in the vibrant Cuban music scene? Look no further than the Havana Jazz Plaza Festival. This annual event brings together some of the world’s most talented jazz musicians…
Updated for the OFAC rule effective September 30, 2026. U.S. law continues to prohibit travel to Cuba for ordinary tourist activities, but travel-related transactions may be authorized when a traveler qualifies under an applicable OFAC category and follows that category’s…
How do Cubans celebrate New Year’s Eve? By Gelenny Cervantes (Cuban Musician and Business Development Specialist of Havana Music Tours and Musical Getaways) The great New Year celebration in Cuba is a very special party occasion for Cubans worldwide. It brings together entire families and…
This article previews the January 2023 Jazz Plaza festival. For a new trip, see our current tours and current U.S. Cuba travel guide. By Ismelys Quevedo (Cuban Music Teacher and Business Development Specialist of Havana Music Tours and Musical Getaways) The 38th…
By Laluly Romeri (Cuban musicologist and Business Development Specialist of Havana Music Tours and Musical Getaways) Joy grows among Cuban musicians and music lovers after the beautiful night they had yesterday during and after the Latin Grammys Awards 2022. Cuba and its musicians were awarded…
Yes, you can travel to Cuba from the United States! By Chaz Chambers (Musician, Tour Guide Leader, and Director of Havana Music Tours and Musical Getaways) Traveling to Cuba from the United States can seem difficult, but it isn’t. Yes, you can travel to…
Mambo Music is back By Laluly Romeri (Cuban musicologist and Business Development Specialist of Havana Music Tours and Musical Getaways) ¿Tú no querías Mambo? (did you want Mambo?) It’s the question of the moment for the public that follows good Cuban music…
By Rocío de Lucía (Cuban Musicologist) One of the most iconic Cuban songs is undoubtedly “Chan Chan.” Many people can immediately identify that simple but delicious composition just by entering the four chords on which the song is based, authored by another…