We don’t often get to see so many Cuban bands live, but when we do we are soaking up every second. That’s exactly what we did in Havana, Cuba. Festival de La Salsa offers 5 nights of concerts with the biggest names in Cuba as its primary focus. Read about out experience in today’s post.
What was Included?
Both of us purchased Bronze passes for 175 Euros. This included access to 5 nights of the concert into a standing room only section. Also, it included free access into the after-parties at Casa de la Music Miramar. Each night of concerts included 4 bands.
To our understanding, the Gold pass was the only pass that included the classes. There were 4 classes total all on the same day. On another day there was a tour of the historic center and live Rumba at the Callejon de Hamel.
Both the silver and gold passes included the concert on the 20th which had 2 artists and a meal. Both were also in seated areas that had table service.
Below is a diagram that outlines approximately where we were in relation to the stage.
My top 3 concerts?
Alexa
- El Noro y Primera Clase
- Maykel Blanco y Salsa Mayor
- Alexander Abreu y Havana D’Primera
Andrea
- Alexander Abreu y Havana D’Primera
- Maykel Blanco y Salsa Mayor
- Paulito FG y su Elite
An Area of Improvement
Alexa
While I understand that dance and music go hand and hand, there were too many dancers on stage during the performances for the bands. I really wanted to enjoy the musicians and their show, and that wasn’t always easy with dancer coming on stage multiple times in the hour each band played. I do believe limiting the times they come on stage would be a solution.
Andrea
The venue. Unfortunately the floor was so bumpy and uneven that it was hard to walk, let alone dance. Hopefully it was better in the other sections. Either finding a venue more dance friendly, or making a dance area with a good floor.
Overall Takeaways
Thank you to Maykel Blanco Producciones for putting together this festival with so many outstanding artists. It is always an accomplishment to highlight Cuban music, and continue the legacy of many of these bands. This festival is a great attraction for both Cubans and Foreigners to enjoy live bands.
The sounds was spectacular. With the exception of feedback for certain artists, each band and singer sounded full and rich. That is no easy task because there are so many instruments and singers to coordinate for a balanced sound. So props to the festival for inventing time and money into the sound.
The line-up in our opinion was very good. There was so much talent and energy up on stage. Something to keep in mind is that sets were about an hour, so if you are looking to hear a full concert from each band, well you won’t. The events of each day started an hour later than scheduled, but that delay was consistent throughout. the week.
If you decide to go next year, know that the bronze pass is only for you if you are okay standing. It is standing room only. Splurge if having a table and chairs is important to you. Also, this festival has a 4th zone farther back that offers affordable prices for Cuban citizens, so know that other areas may mostly be with foreigners.
We had a blast. Being around people passionate about these artists was a great feeling. There was so much energy from the crowd. Also, we did not see an area to buy souvenirs/memorabilia which we were bummed about.
Have you been to Festival de la Salsa before? Were you there this year? Tell us your favorite part in the comments below. Also, traveling to Cuba can be daunting, so feel free to send us any private messages or questions if you are considering going and have questions.
Don’t forget to check out our travel list for a full list of festivals happening around the world. Read other festival reviews here.
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