This is one of the country’s most vibrant festivals. The ‘Santiago de Cuba Carnival’ package of Cuba Direct will be from July 20 to July 31.

Bayamo: 20 July 2018

The travelers will stay in Bayamo for one night. Bayamo is the capital city of Cuba’s Granma province. Here they will get a feel for real local life. This friendly, low-key destination was founded by the Spanish Explorer Diego Velázquez de Cuellar in 1513.

Bayamo is Cuba’s second oldest city after Baracoa. It is steeped in history. The city was named after the boat that brought Castro and his comrades to Cuba to launch the Revolution. It is often thought of as the birthplace of Cuban Independence.

Santiago de Cuba: 21 – 23 July

After Bayamo, the tourists will spend three days in Santiago de Cuba. This is Cuba’s cultural capital, set between the majestic Sierra Maestra and the shimmering Caribbean.

Visitors will experience the Santiago de Cuba carnival, which famously turns the city into one big street party. This is the largest and most traditional of Cuba’s carnivals. It is a time for Cubans to celebrate their history, community and culture.

Santiago de Cuba has a rich music and dance scene. The Conga and the Rumba both originate from this city. The highlight of the carnival is the groups of singers and dancers called comparsas who perform in colourful and elaborate costumes.

On the first day of the carnival, comparsas invite locals to join an impressive conga line as it makes its way through each neighbourhood.

Camagüey: 24 July

Camagüey is Cuba’s third-largest city. It oozes history and charm. Camaguey’s old town is a designated UNESCO World Heritage site. It has a unique layout that was purposefully built to confuse invaders after a pirate attack in the 17th century.

Camagüey’s short, narrow streets are a maze of pastel-hued colonial architecture, palatial plazas and Baroque cathedrals. There are also a number of trendy art galleries.

Cayo Coco: 25 – 30 July

Finally, travellers will visit the beautiful, idyllic island of Cayo Coco. This is located off the northern coast of Cuba. It is part of the Jardines del Rey chain.

Cayo Coco is known for its colourful coral reefs, white-sand beaches and its calm waters. It’s  a tranquil haven for travelers. It is also home to many species of birds, including the White Ibis and a native colony of pink flamingos.

OTHER CARNIVALS IN CUBA

The Santiago de Cuba Carnival is not the only festival in Cuba that travellers should experience. The Havana Carnival, from August 3 to August 15, provides a spectacular display of music and spontaneous dancing. The Matanzas Festival of Origins, from August 20 to August 26, gives travelers a lesson in Cuba’s diverse ethnic heritage.

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