As Cuba faces a severe economic downturn, daily blackouts, and a continual decline in living conditions, the regime has announced the 10th edition of the Salsa Festival in Havana. Scheduled from February 26 to March 1, the main venue will be Club 500.
Promoted as a significant event on the official cultural calendar, the festival will celebrate its tenth anniversary while honoring the 70th anniversary of the renowned Elito Revé y su Charangón orchestra, a staple in Cuban dance music, according to the state-run Cubadebate.
Maykel Blanco, the festival's founder and president, told the Cuban News Agency that international participants, including DJs, dance instructors, and dance academies, will be involved. He emphasized that the event will continue to extend into communities and art schools. According to Blanco, the festival has gained "credibility and growth" over the past ten years.
Starting Friday, February 27, four orchestras will perform each night at Club 500. The lineup includes notable artists such as Los Van Van, Adalberto Álvarez y su Son, Alain Pérez, Alexander Abreu y Havana D’Primera, Haila María Mompié, Elito Revé y su Charangón, and Maykel Blanco y su Salsa Mayor.
Regarding tickets, organizers stated that they are available for presale at the Yara Cinema from Tuesday to Sunday, priced at 800 Cuban pesos (CUP). At the entrance, the cost will rise to 1,000 CUP per night. A package deal covering all three nights will also be available, though the prices seem unattainable for much of the population struggling with low wages and rampant inflation.
The announcement was made during a press conference attended by Edith Massola, the festival's artistic director; Eladio Marrero, president of Artex; Reynaldo Méndez, director of Empresa Carnaval Habana, along with musicians and organizers.
Once again, the Salsa Festival is positioned as a cultural and tourist showcase in a country plagued by blackouts, shortages, and poverty. This stark contrast highlights the gap between official propaganda and the everyday reality faced by millions of Cubans.
Key Questions about the Salsa Festival in Cuba
What is the main venue for the Salsa Festival in Havana?
The main venue for the festival is Club 500 in Havana.
When will the 10th edition of the Salsa Festival take place?
The festival is scheduled to occur from February 26 to March 1.
How much do tickets cost for the Salsa Festival?
Tickets are priced at 800 Cuban pesos in presale and will cost 1,000 CUP at the door per night. A package for all three nights is also available.