The Ilé Bata House of Drums

Foto Feature by Elio Delgado

HAVANA TIMES, Jan. 25 — Situated on Old Havana’s main pedestrian boulevard, the Ilé Bata House of Drums is a community-based initiative in which children and teens of both sexes can develop their abilities in dance, painting, percussion, and theater.

President and organizer Martha Rodriguez explains that the center has received wide support from area residents; in fact, the parents of participating youth have voiced their satisfaction with the progress made by their children and with the newfound enthusiasm these kids have shown for the arts.

Presentations such as the one featured here —in which other artists were invited to participate— sooth the soul while filling the artists with pride.

In these photos, on drums we find Jilie Rivera (the Habana Compa Company’s director), along with Eduardo Cordova (a percussionist, painter and the artisan who constructs these astonishing instruments).

If you visit Havana and yearn for an unforgettable experience, you can discover it here —at 312 Obispo, between Habana and Aguiar streets— at any hour of the day.  Programs are also available for you to choose the particular performance you may wish to attend.

Click on the thumbnails below to view all the images in this gallery