Culture 3 min read
The Zunzún: Small Symbol of Great Cuban Resilience in 2026
Discover why the bee hummingbird, the world's smallest bird, has become a symbol of hope and resistance in Cuba during times of crisis.
Culture
96 articles
Culture 5 min read
Willie Colón, Salsa Legend, Dies at 75
The Bronx trombonist, four-time collaborator with Celia Cruz and creator of 'Siembra', passed away on February 21st at 75 in New York.
Culture 4 min read
Callejón de Hamel: Havana's Open-Air Afro-Cuban Art Gallery
Discover Callejón de Hamel, the vibrant epicenter of Afro-Cuban art in Centro Habana with murals, sculptures, and Sunday rumba.
Culture 5 min read
Cuban Choteo: How Humor Became Cuba's National Identity
Discover choteo, Cuba's unique form of irreverent humor that shaped national identity, from La Tremenda Corte to Álvarez Guedes.
Culture 4 min read
Elpidio Valdés: The Animated Hero Who Defined Cuban Childhood
Meet Elpidio Valdés, the mambí colonel created by Juan Padrón who became an icon of Cuban animation and a national symbol.
Culture 4 min read
Leo Brouwer: The Cuban Master Who Reinvented Classical Guitar
Meet Leo Brouwer, the Cuban composer and guitarist who revolutionized classical guitar from Havana to Carnegie Hall.
Culture 5 min read
Trinidad, Cuba: The Time-Frozen City That Became a UNESCO Gem
Explore Trinidad, Cuba's best-preserved colonial city and UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988. History, architecture, music, and the Sugar Mills Valley.
Culture 4 min read
The Cuban Bolero: The Music of Love Born in Santiago de Cuba
Discover the history of the Cuban bolero, from Pepe Sánchez to Olga Guillot. How this romantic genre conquered Latin America.
Culture 4 min read
The Cuban Bolero: UNESCO Heritage and the Universal Language of Love
From Santiago de Cuba to the world, the bolero was born as a love song and is now a UNESCO Heritage. Its history, voices, and lasting power.
Culture 6 min read
Cecilia Valdés: Cuba's National Novel That Challenged an Era
The story of Cecilia Valdés, Cirilo Villaverde's masterpiece on race, love and colonialism in 19th century Cuba, and its legendary zarzuela adaptation.
Culture 4 min read
Cuban Cha-Cha-Chá: The Rhythm That Conquered Dance Floors Worldwide
The history of cha-cha-chá, created by Enrique Jorrín in 1950s Cuba. From Havana to the world with Orquesta América and Aragón.
Culture 4 min read
Cuban Dominoes: Much More Than a Game, a National Tradition
Discover the history and traditions of dominoes in Cuba, the national pastime that unites generations in parks, porches, and streets across the island.
Culture 4 min read
Fusterlandia: The Cuban Neighborhood Turned Living Mosaic Art
Discover Fusterlandia, the Cuban village transformed into mosaic art by José Fuster. History, naïve art, and the magic of Jaimanitas.
Culture 6 min read
Abakuá: Cuba's Secret Afro-Cuban Society That Defied Slavery
History of the Abakuá secret society in Cuba, from the Ékpè of Calabar to the ñáñigos of Havana. Rituals, íremes, and cultural legacy.
Culture 4 min read
Alden Knight (1936-2026): Farewell to a Legend of Cuban Art
Cuba mourns Alden Knight, actor of film, theater, radio, and TV who dedicated six decades to performing arts. National Television Award winner.
Culture 4 min read
Alejo Carpentier and Lo Real Maravilloso: Cuba's Literary Giant
Life and legacy of Alejo Carpentier, father of the marvelous real and key figure of the Latin American boom. His work transformed world literature.
Culture 5 min read
Art Deco Architecture in Havana: Hidden Gems from the 1930s
Discover Havana's most stunning Art Deco buildings, from the Bacardí Building to the América Theater — Cuba's overlooked architectural treasures.
Culture 5 min read
Arsenio Rodríguez: The Blind Marvel Who Revolutionized Cuban Music
Meet Arsenio Rodríguez, the blind tres genius who created the conjunto format, son montuno, and laid the foundations of modern salsa.
Culture 4 min read
Bad Bunny at Super Bowl LX: Cuba Present on the World's Biggest Stage
Bad Bunny included the Cuban flag in Super Bowl LX, moving Cubans amid crisis. Analysis of the most Latino halftime show in history.
Culture 5 min read
Cuban National Ballet: The School Alicia Alonso Gave the World
The history of Cuba's Ballet Nacional, founded by Alicia Alonso in 1948. From the Gran Teatro de La Habana to the world's greatest stages.
Culture 5 min read
Cuban Baseball: The History of Cuba's National Passion
Discover the history of baseball in Cuba, from 1864 to today. How pelota became a symbol of identity, freedom, and national pride.
Culture 4 min read
Benny Moré: The Wildman of Rhythm Who Defined Cuban Music
Life and legacy of Benny Moré, Cuba's greatest singer. From the sugarcane fields of Lajas to conquering Havana and Mexico with his unique voice.
Culture 5 min read
Carnival of Santiago de Cuba: The Caribbean's Oldest Street Party
History, traditions, and magic of the Santiago de Cuba Carnival — from colonial mamarrachos to the congas that shake the streets every July.
Culture 5 min read
Cuban Poster Art: The Graphic Design Movement That Changed the World
The history of Cuban cartelismo, from ICAIC film posters to OSPAAAL solidarity art. How Cuba created a revolutionary graphic design language.
Culture 4 min read
Celia Cruz: The Queen of Salsa and Her Legendary Centennial
The life and legacy of Celia Cruz, Cuba's Guarachera. Her 2025 centennial reaffirmed her throne as the undisputed queen of Latin music.
Culture 3 min read
Cuba Advances to Serie de las Américas 2026 Semifinals
Cuba edged Colombia 8-7 in a dramatic finish to clinch a semifinal berth, where they'll face host Venezuela in Caracas.
Culture 6 min read
Danzón: Cuba's National Dance Born in Matanzas in 1879
The history of Cuban danzón, from Miguel Failde's Las Alturas de Simpson to its influence on mambo and cha-cha-chá.
Culture 4 min read
Ernesto Lecuona: The Cuban Gershwin Who Conquered the World
Life and legacy of Ernesto Lecuona, Cuba's most prolific composer with over 600 works that defined Latin music worldwide.
Culture 3 min read
Félix González-Torres: Sweet Revenge Arrives in Madrid May 2026
The Reina Sofía Museum presents a major retrospective of the Cuban artist who turned candy and lightbulbs into visual poetry.
Culture 4 min read
Havana Book Fair Postponed: Fuel Crisis Hits Cuban Culture
The 34th Havana International Book Fair, scheduled for Feb 12-22 at La Cabaña fortress, is postponed due to Cuba's deepening fuel crisis.
Culture 3 min read
Fernando Hechavarría Wins Cuba's National Theater Prize After 50 Years
The Holguín-born actor receives Cuba's highest theater honor for a career spanning Teatro Escambray to Teatro El Público.
Culture 4 min read
Havana's Salsa Festival Celebrates Orquesta Revé's 70th Anniversary
The 10th Festival de la Salsa honors a decade of music and 70 years of Elito Revé y su Charangón at Havana's Club 500.
Culture 4 min read
Cuban Photography: From Korda to Today, the Eye That Captured Cuba
The history of Cuban photography: Alberto Korda, Raúl Corrales, the iconic Che image, and new photographers documenting Cuba today.
Culture 4 min read
Gonzalo Rubalcaba Wins Fourth Grammy: Tribute to Benny Moré
Cuban pianist conquers 2026 Grammy with homage to Benny Moré and Nat King Cole alongside Yainer Horta and Joey Calveiro.
Culture 5 min read
Cuban Hip-Hop: From Alamar to the World, Cuba's Rap Revolution
The history of Cuban hip-hop from Alamar to today. How rap became the voice of a generation during Cuba's Special Period crisis.
Culture 5 min read
José Martí: Cuba's Apostle Who Built a Nation Through Poetry
Life and legacy of José Martí, Cuban national hero, modernist poet, and independence leader. From prison to the Versos sencillos.
Culture 4 min read
La Cosa: The Secret Language That Reveals Cuba's Soul
When a Cuban asks '¿Cómo está la cosa?', they say everything while saying nothing. Discover the coded language that defines Cuban resilience.
Culture 4 min read
Leonardo Padura Presents Morir en la Arena at Hay Festival 2026
The master of Cuban noir fiction presents his new novel in Barranquilla, exploring 50 years of Cuba's history.
Culture 5 min read
Nicolás Guillén: Cuba's National Poet and the Afro-Cuban Voice
Discover the life and work of Nicolás Guillén, the poet who fused son music with poetry and gave voice to Afro-Cuban identity.
Culture 4 min read
No Cultural Blackout: Cuba Takes Art to the Streets Amid Crisis
As Cuba faces its worst fuel crisis in decades, the country reorganizes cultural life: artists go to neighborhoods and the Book Fair is postponed.
Culture 4 min read
Nueva Trova: Silvio Rodríguez, Pablo Milanés and Cuba's Revolution
The history of Cuba's Nueva Trova movement, where Silvio Rodríguez and Pablo Milanés fused poetry, guitar, and revolution into songs that shaped Latin America.
Culture 4 min read
Carlos Acosta Reinvents The Nutcracker with Cuban Flavor
The legendary Cuban dancer transforms the holiday classic with Nutcracker in Havana, fusing classical ballet with Afro-Cuban rhythms.
Culture 5 min read
Las Parrandas de Remedios: Cuba's UNESCO Heritage Festival
Discover Las Parrandas de Remedios, the Caribbean's oldest festival with 200+ years of history. UNESCO Heritage since 2018.
Culture 4 min read
Pedrito Martínez & Alfredo Rodríguez: Duologue Conquers the US
The Cuban conguero and pianist, from opposite paths but shared souls, triumph together on US tour.
Culture 5 min read
Punto Cubano: Cuba's Sung Poetry Declared UNESCO Heritage
Discover punto cubano, the improvised sung poetry of Cuban farmers declared UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2017.
Culture 5 min read
Cuban Santería: The Religion of the Orishas and Its Power
Discover Cuban Santería, its orishas, rituals, the 2026 Letra del Año prophecy, and how this Afro-Cuban religion thrives today.
Culture 5 min read
Cuban Timba: The Most Explosive Music Born in Havana
Discover Cuban timba, the genre that fused son, funk, and rumba in the 1990s. History, key bands, and rhythms conquering the world.
Culture 4 min read
Tropicana: The Paradise Under the Stars That Dazzled the World
The history of Havana's Tropicana cabaret from 1939 to today. Architecture, shows, and its enduring Cuban cultural legacy.
Culture 6 min read
Wifredo Lam: The Cuban Painter Who Fused Africa and Surrealism
Discover Wifredo Lam, the Cuban artist who revolutionized art by merging surrealism, cubism, and Afro-Cuban spirituality.
Culture 4 min read
Aída y Vuelta Conquers Miami: Why Cuba Loves This Spanish Series
The iconic Spanish sitcom's film triumphs in Miami. Paco León: 'Cubans are more Aída than Spaniards.'
Culture 4 min read
Alberto Korda: The Photographer Behind the World's Most Iconic Image
Meet Alberto Korda, the Havana photographer who captured Guerrillero Heroico, the most reproduced photo of Che Guevara.
Culture 3 min read
Ana Mendieta at Tate Modern: Major Retrospective of Cuban Pioneer
The UK's largest Ana Mendieta retrospective opens at Tate Modern in July 2026. 150 works by the Cuban-American earth-body art pioneer.
Culture 5 min read
Cuban Handicrafts: A Complete Guide to Traditions and Artisan Crafts
Cuban handicrafts: Taíno ceramics, embroidered textiles, woodcarving and musical instruments.
Culture 4 min read
Bad Bunny Names Cuba at Super Bowl: We Are All Americans
The Puerto Rican superstar mentioned Cuba alongside every nation in the Americas during his Super Bowl LX halftime show, moving Cubans worldwide.
Culture 4 min read
Alden Knight, Legend of Cuban Theater, Dies at 89
Cuba mourns Alden Knight, an icon of theater, film, and television with over six decades of artistic career.
Culture 5 min read
Havana's Chinatown: 179 Years of Cultural Legacy in Cuba
The world's second-largest Chinatown outside Asia was born in Cuba in 1847. Discover its remarkable history.
Culture 4 min read
Benny Moré: The Bárbaro del Ritmo Who Conquered Cuba and the World
63 years after his death, we remember Cuba's greatest singer. From cane cutter to legend with the Banda Gigante.
Culture 3 min read
Buena Vista Social Club Wins Grammy: Broadway Celebrates Cuba
The Broadway musical about legendary Cuban musicians won the 2026 Grammy for Best Musical Theater Album.
Culture 3 min read
María Magdalena Campos-Pons: Cuban Art Blooms in Saudi Arabian Desert
Cuban artist unveils 'Imole Red' at Desert X AlUla 2026, fusing Yoruba traditions with the Arabian landscape.
Culture 4 min read
Carnival of Santiago de Cuba: The Caribbean's Greatest Celebration
Discover the history and traditions of Santiago de Cuba's Carnival, a 300+ year celebration blending African and Spanish heritage in vibrant festivities.
Culture 4 min read
Changüí of Guantánamo: The Forgotten Root of Cuban Son
Discover changüí, the 200-year-old musical genre born in Guantánamo's sugar cane fields that gave birth to Cuban son.
Culture 3 min read
Chucho Valdés and His Royal Quartet: 60 Years of Afro-Cuban Jazz
Cuban maestro Chucho Valdés, NEA Jazz Master 2025, tours the U.S. with his Royal Quartet celebrating six decades of musical alchemy.
Culture 3 min read
El Ciervo Encantado Breaks with Cuban State After 30 Years
Cuba's most important experimental theater group announces split from Ministry of Culture after years of censorship.
Culture 4 min read
Cimafunk Conquers Jam Cruise 2026: Afro-Cuban Funk Takes Over
Cuban artist Cimafunk triumphs at Jam Cruise 22 with his fusion of funk and Afro-Cuban rhythms. Meet the Cuban James Brown.
Culture 6 min read
Danzón: Cuba's National Dance That Conquered the World
From Matanzas to the Latin Grammys: the history of danzón and how Orquesta Faílde keeps Miguel Faílde's legacy alive.
Culture 4 min read
Digna Guerra and the Cuban National Choir: 50 Years of Excellence
Maestra Digna Guerra has led Cuba's National Choir for 50 years. Founded by Che and Camilo, discover its revolutionary origins and legacy.
Culture 4 min read
Direlia Lazo: The Cuban Running Latin America's Biggest Art Fair
Meet Direlia Lazo, the Havana-born curator and artistic director of Zona Maco 2026, which just welcomed 82,000 visitors to Mexico City.
Culture 3 min read
Havana Book Fair Postponed Amid Cuba's Deepening Fuel Crisis
The 34th Havana International Book Fair, dedicated to Fidel Castro's centennial with Russia as guest country, suspended indefinitely.
Culture 4 min read
Pepe Sánchez Festival 2026: Cuban Trova Returns to Santiago
Cuba's oldest trova festival celebrates its 61st edition from February 26 to March 1 in Santiago de Cuba.
Culture 4 min read
The Cuban Guayabera: History of the Shirt That Defines Cuba
From the Yayabo River to presidential summits: the guayabera was born peasant and became a symbol of Cuban elegance. Discover its history.
Culture 3 min read
Guillermo Barreto: The Drum Legend Who Revolutionized Cuban Jazz
Discover Guillermo Barreto, the drummer who brought Tropicana's legendary descargas into jazz history.
Culture 4 min read
Jazz Plaza 2026: Havana Beats to Jazz Rhythms Amid Crisis
Jazz Plaza celebrated its 40th edition in Havana (Jan 25-Feb 1) with 286 international artists, proving Cuban music endures despite blackouts.
Culture 3 min read
José Yaque Takes Paris: Cuba at Galleria Continua
Cuban artist José Yaque presents 'Vibraciones' in Paris, an immersive exhibition blending Eastern Cuban tradition with bold contemporary art.
Culture 3 min read
Malpaso Dance Company: Cubans Make History with Martha Graham
The Havana-based company becomes the first Cuban troupe to perform Martha Graham's work at New York's Joyce Theatre.
Culture 3 min read
Nicolás Guillén: The Poet Who Made Cuban Son Sing
Discover the life and work of Nicolás Guillén, Cuba's National Poet who fused African rhythms with poetry to create the Afro-Cuban movement.
Culture 4 min read
No Seasoning: Afro-Cuban Outsider Art Arrives in Miami
Historic exhibition brings together seven Afro-descendant Cuban outsider artists in North Miami. Features works by Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara.
Culture 4 min read
Nueva Trova Cubana: The Revolution Made Song That Shaped History
History of the Cuban musical movement that united poetry, guitar and social commitment. Silvio Rodríguez, Pablo Milanés and their legacy.
Culture 4 min read
New Cuban Cinema: ICAIC Gems That Defined a Generation
Discover the most influential Cuban films from the 60s-80s: Memories of Underdevelopment, Lucía, I Am Cuba, and Strawberry and Chocolate.
Culture 4 min read
OKAN: The Cuban Duo Conquering Canada with Jazz and Santería
Elizabeth Rodríguez and Magdelys Savigne have won two JUNO Awards fusing Afro-Cuban rhythms with jazz. Now they bring batá drums to the world stage.
Culture 4 min read
Osdany Morales Wins Inaugural Poetry in Translation Prize
Cuban writer from Nueva Paz wins prestigious international poetry award with Security Questions collection.
Culture 3 min read
Patricio Revé: The Cuban Dancer Who Conquered the Royal Ballet
The Havana-born dancer becomes Principal at the Royal Ballet for the 2026-2027 season, cementing Cuba's legacy in world dance.
Culture 4 min read
Pepe Sánchez: The Santiago Tailor Who Invented the Cuban Bolero
Meet José Pepe Sánchez, the trovador from Santiago who created the bolero and founded Cuban trova without ever reading music.
Culture 3 min read
Modern Cuban Painters: NY Revives Historic 1944 MoMA Exhibition
Bonhams reunites works from MoMA's legendary show for the first time in 80 years, featuring Wifredo Lam, Amelia Peláez, and the Cuban avant-garde.
Culture 3 min read
Roberto Salas: The Photographer Who Immortalized the Cuban Revolution
Roberto Salas receives Cuba's 2025 National Prize for Visual Arts for his work capturing six decades of Cuban history.
Culture 4 min read
Cuban Rumba: UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity
Discover Cuban rumba, its three styles (yambú, guaguancó, columbia), and why UNESCO declared it Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2016.
Culture 5 min read
Cuban Santería: The Orishas and Syncretism That Define Cuba
Discover Cuban Santería, the Afro-Cuban religion blending Yoruba traditions with Catholicism. Orishas, rituals, and cultural influence.
Culture 4 min read
Screen Cuba 2026: Cuban Cinema Conquers London This March
Screen Cuba festival brings ICAIC classics to London March 15-28. Lucía, The Twelve Chairs, and more Cuban masterpieces on screen.
Culture 4 min read
Teatro Sauto: The Architectural Jewel of Matanzas, Cuba
Discover Teatro Sauto, a National Monument and pride of Matanzas since 1863. Diego Rivera said: 'I recognize Matanzas by the Sauto.'
Culture 3 min read
TITOVERSE: Cuba Launches Its First Animated Superhero Series
ICAIC debuts TITOVERSE: Genesis, Cuba's first animated superhero series aiming to capture global audiences with Cuban identity.
Culture 5 min read
The Cuban Tres: The Instrument That Forged the Soul of Son
From Baracoa to world stages: the history of the Cuban tres and Pancho Amat, the master bringing its sound across Europe in 2026.
Culture 4 min read
Wifredo Lam at MoMA: Cuban Spirits Take Over New York
MoMA hosts 'When I Don't Sleep, I Dream', a retrospective of Cuban painter Wifredo Lam through April 2026. Afro-Cuban art meets surrealism.
Culture 4 min read
Willy Chirino: 50 Years of the Miami Sound Creator
Celebrating half a century of Cuban-American singer Willy Chirino, father of the Miami Sound and voice of the Cuban diaspora.
Culture 2 min read
Cuba Stages Epic Comeback Against Curaçao: 14-12 at Caribbean Series
With 11 runs in a single inning, Cuba pulled off one of the most dramatic comebacks in Caribbean Series history in Caracas.
Culture 3 min read
Jazz Plaza 2026: Havana Pulses with Music Despite It All
The 41st International Jazz Plaza Festival brought together over 1,500 artists from 20 countries. A chronicle of Cuban musical resilience.
Culture 3 min read
Son Cubano: The Rhythm That Conquered the World
From the mountains of Oriente to Broadway stages. History, instruments, and legends of the musical genre that defines Cuba.
Culture 2 min read
Cuban Music Conquers the Latin Grammys
Cuban artists sweep the ceremony with awards in multiple tropical music categories.