In Cuba there are various celebrations, farmers, carnivals, partying, bands and festivities of Spanish and African history. Until 1959, the popular holiday tradition were related to the festivities calendar of the Catholic Church or other cultural activities such as carnivals and celebrations important to farmers.

The Catholic character celebrations in Havana began to be made from the Spanish occupation and always involved a procession followed by a dancing party. The Procession and commemorations that have endured over time is that of the Virgin of Charity on September 8, the Holy Week including the Via Crucis, the Pilgrimage to the corner of St. Lazarus Day, etc.

Carnival is the quintessential Cuban party and have their history, also in Spanish religious parties with costumes, floats, and parades. Throughout Carnival in Havana during the month of July, parades are organized in front of the Capitolio or along the Malecon in the afternoon of Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Holidays are:

• January 1: Liberation Day
• January 28. Anniversary of the Birth of José Martí.
• April 19. Celebration of the Bay of Pigs victory.
• May 1. Labour Day. Very important. Everyone is mobilized and, for any Cuban is fashionable to participate. In Havana, a grand parade is held in the popular Plaza de la Revolución preceded by a political speech.
• 25, 26 and 27 July. Commemoration of the Moncada attack. Political discourse in a big city in the country, different each year. At night, bands in the streets.
• October 10. Commemoration of the beginning of the first war of independence.
• November 16. Anniversary of the foundation of the City of Havana.
• December 25. Christmas Day holiday since it is considered that Pope John Paul II visited the island in 1998.

Some of the most important cultural events in the city listed below, but to be safe on your dates are encouraged to look at the website of the Office de Tourisme de Cuba, as these may eventually be canceled or the dates of celebration vary:

• Havana International Fair
• Havana Popular Art International Fair
• Spain Footprint Festival
• Boleros de Oro Festival
• Festival and Guitar Competition in Havana
• Theater Festival
• Electroacustic Music Festival
• International Ballet Festival
• Visual Arts Biennial of Havana
• Festival del Nuevo Cine Latinoamericano
• Jazz Festival