Photo Feature

Downtown Havana in January 2019 Photo Spread

Being a center of legal and illegal commerce and other activities, Centro Habana sits between partially renovated Old Havana and Vedado, where many of the government office buildings are located. A few of these pictures are also from both of the neighboring municipalities. (118 photos)

Havana Jazz Festival 2019 Opening Night

Taking place from January 14th-20th in Havana and Santiago de Cuba (now the festival’s second home), the Jazz Plaza Festival kicked off on Monday on the different stages that are now regulars during this annual event. Here are some highlights from the Mella Theater in Havana. (15 photos)

Afro-Cuban Cultural Heritage and Three Kings Day

Every January 6th, the Afro-Cuban ethnic association parade starts off in Plaza de San Francisco de Asis, recalling the festive tradition that used to take place a long time ago in the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries on Three Kings Day. During that period the one day was the only time that the authorities allowed Black slaves and freed slaves to come together and celebrate… (14 photos)

Classic Cars and an Award for Cuban Inventiveness

Havana’s Malecon was the chosen backdrop for this competitive parade. The route was five kilometers long and went from the Riviera to the Grand Packard Hotels, thereby recalling the Packard car exhibition in one of the halls at the luxurious Hotel in the early 20th century, soon after it was initially opened. (13 photos)

New Year 2019 in Havana, Cuba

The stuffed old man was burned at midnight opening the door to 2019. Cubans celebrated New Years however they could in these times of economic difficulties and shortages. For some, going out on the street at midnight with suitcases is a good omen to be able to travel abroad during the coming year. (26 photos)

Havana Celebrates a Saint Close to People’s Hearts

Every year, on December 17th, many people walk from Santiago de Las Vegas, through almost four towns to reach Rincon, where you can find the Church that houses the image of Saint Lazarus, attributed with miracles relating to physical health and wellbeing. He is the wonder-working Saint, said to fulfil promises to alleviate people’s pain, save lives or cure a disease. (35 photos)

Danger Along the Havana Malecon Seawall

On Friday morning there were strong sea swells on the north coast of Havana, bringing danger to the inhabitants in front of the Havana Malecon seawall. The bad conditions of the buildings, the low-lying streets and the lack of action of the authorities cause the inhabitants of these places to lose their belongings. (9 photos)