Many different kinds of events and festivals take place in Cuba throughout the year. Below are some of the most popular entertainment and cultural festivals.
Cuba is renowned for its music which is an important part of life on the island. Therefore many of Cuba’s entertainment festivals revolve around music.  The following will interest music lovers.

The International Festival of Jazz in Havana.                                  
This vibrant festival normally takes place every 2 years in February in Havana. Please note that this year, 2010, the dates have been changed to December 16-19. The festival has now expanded to include all of Havana’s main concert halls and it continues to keep the original spirit with impromptu street jams along the Malecòn. The president of the festival is the renowned Chucho Valdez. For organized tours going to this festival , check the web-site www.jazzcuba.com

The International Pepe Sanchez Trova Festival.                                         
This festival takes place in March in The Casa de la Trova and the Sala de Conciertos Dolores in Santiago de Cuba. It features performances of Cuban Trova which is the troubadour genre of voice, song, poetry and guitar. Different generations of musicians take part in this event which also extends to the streets and parks of Santiago de Cuba. It closes on Troubador Day, March 19th and commemorates the anniversary of the birth of Josè (Pepe) Sanchez who is considered to be the father of Cuban Trova.

The International Rap Festival.                                                
This event takes place in August in Havana and features Cuban and international Hip Hop groups. Now it has expanded to include films, dancing and discussions of Hip Hop culture.

The International Havana Ballet Festival.                                              
Famous Cuban Ballet Dancer, Alicia Alonso presides over this event which takes place from October 24 until November 6.It is held in Havana and around the island. Soloists and companies participate alongside the Cuban National Ballet.

Charangas de Bejucal.                                                          
Bejucal is a province of Havana, 20kms to the south. From December 24th -26th, this event featuring Charanga music, a popular  ‘son’ –influenced style, takes place with many musicians, choreographers and dancers participating. It now attracts many international visitors.
Street party enthusiasts will enjoy Cuba’s lively Carnivals.

The Havana Carnival.                                                           
An exciting event which takes place each weekend during July and August. Most of the action happens on the Malecòn, Havana’s famous seafront. Local neighbourhood ‘comparsas’ participate. These are carnival groups of musicians and dancers that perform in the street. There are parades featuring eye-catching floats and dancers in colourful costumes.  The celebrations start on the Friday evening of the first weekend of July and the carnival finishes with a dramatic fireworks display.          

Every year, tourists become active participants in the carnival and can enjoy energetic dancing until dawn as well as some performances by Cuba’s best bands. There is one whole day dedicated to children which features floats, magicians and clowns. Food and drink is also on the agenda and visitors can enjoy, aside from rum, very cold beer, which is appreciated in the heat, and various Cuban dishes.

The Santiago de Cuba Carnival.                                                         
This is the most famous of Cuba’s street parties. It is held in July and the best days to be there are from the 24th to 26th when the action never stops and the street parties last all night. The annual performance is held at the Cuartel Moncada. Visitors can enjoy a fantastic, lively atmosphere with music of many genres, including salsa, rumba and reggaeton, dancing and fun as well as street stalls with local food and drink.

Parrandas de Remedios.                                                                 
Remedios is a small village outside Santa Clara and it is worth visiting on December 24th when it has its own street party that was originally inspired by an historic competition between 2 of its neighbourhoods. The friendly competition continues street party style with music and dancing and fireworks. It is not such a well-known festival, but it is unique with a warm atmosphere.

The Festival of Caribbean Culture.                                                     
This is another vibrant celebration which takes place in Santiago de Cuba, Cuba’s most Caribbean city, from July 3 – 9. It is also known as the ‘Fire Festival’. It is a celebration of Caribbean culture and features the dances, rhythms and rituals of the Caribbean’s African roots as well as meetings on issues related to preserving and developing Caribbean cultural diversity and ideas for the unity of the region.

The Pilgrimage in May. ( Romerìas de Mayo.)                                            
In early May, the city of Holguìn in the eastern part of the island plays host to this annual cultural festival with historical origins. It now draws musicians, theatre actors and actresses, dancers, writers and painters from all over the world.