Page 40 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Cuba

38  INTRODUCING CUBA
CUBA THROUGH THE YEAR

Because of its tropical climate, Cuba does of days and even then the temperature
not really have a high or low season, hardly ever drops below 10°C (50°F).
although officially, peak season is from The cooler, drier months from November
December to the end of March and in July to March are the best for sightseeing.
and August, when hotel rates are higher Thanks to the climate, and the Cubans’ love
and flights are packed. Except for the peak of music and cultural events, there are open-
of summer, when temperatures can be air concerts, festivals, and religious and folk
searingly hot, and September and October, festivities all year round. However, the most
when hurricanes are most likely, any month interesting and eventful months are July,
is suitable for a visit. It is warm at the beach during Carnival, and December, when
even in winter, because the frentes fríos the festivities in Remedios and Havana’s
(cold fronts) generally last only a couple famous cinema festival takes place.

by leading puppet theatres, takes place, of course, in Havana,
Spring
with seminars, conferences where the citizens gather in
During this season there is and workshops. Other Plaza de la Revolución for
an escalation of dance and workshop spaces include speeches and patriotic songs.
theatre performances, and the Teatro Sauto and Galería Romerías de la Cruz de Mayo
the welcome but irregular art Provincial de Artes Plásticas (3 May). The townsfolk of
fair Bienal de La Habana. The “Pedro Esquerré”. See www. Holguín process up to La Loma
beaches are crowded, but mainly atenas.cult.cu. de la Cruz, a hilltop that
with visitors – the Cubans usually Festival Internacional del dominates the northern end of
go to the seaside only in summer. Cine Pobre, Gibara (Apr). the town. A mass is held at the
An international festival of wooden cross, followed
March low budget movies held in by a lively party.
Festival Internacional de la the small town and well Feria Internacional
Trova Pepe Sanchéz, Santiago attended by locals and Cubadisco
(Mar). A celebration of Cuban foreigners. Next staged (International Record
trova music in all its forms. 2018. See www.festival Fair), Pabellón Cuba,
This festival attracts both Cuban cinepobre.cult.cu. Havana (mid-May).
and international performers. Records on display and
May for sale; conferences
April Primero de Mayo A batá player and concerts.
Taller Internacional de Teatro (1 May). Rallies, marches Bienal de La
de Títeres, Teatro Papalote, and parades in every city in Habana (May–Jun). A highly
Matanzas (Apr). Performances Cuba. The most important one respected art fair, which despite
its name, is staged
every three years. It
welcomes local and
international artists.
More than 100 artists
from 45 countries
congregate in Havana,
enlivening the city with
workshops, performances
and exciting gallery
shows. Next staged
November 2018.
See www.bienal
habana.cult.cu.
La Huella de España,
Gran Teatro and other
venues, Havana (May–
Jun). Celebrating Cuban
culture of Spanish
derivation: concerts,
classical dance,
flamenco and theatre.
The First of May Parade in Plaza de la Revolución, Havana

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