For centuries, Cuba has been a center of cultural influence in the Americas.  Known as “the Key to the New World,” the island served as a crossroads for explorers, buccaneers, colonial powers, indigenous people, entertainers, and exiles.

Havana is the capital and chief seaport of this unique country.

Many people, both past and present, have come to Havana because of the city’s distinct pizzazz. Over the centuries, Havana has been a hub of political activity, lawlessness, hospitality, the arts, and ingenuity. 

Old Havana was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982.  The city is also noted for its history, culture, architecture and monuments.

Havana is one of the most architecturally diverse cities in the world, and it’s safe to say, is a city photographer’s paradise.  Its building clearly mirror its social and political history, from the Spanish colonial times to the present day.

Havana shares a rich musical history with the rest of Cuba.  Its instruments, performance and dance comprise a large set of unique traditions influenced mostly by west African and European music.  Due to the syncretic nature of its genres, Cuban music is often considered one of the richest and most influential regional musics of the world.

Salsa dancing originated in Cuba and is found everywhere in Havana.  Salsa evolved from earlier dance forms such as Cha Cha and Mambo, which were popular in New York, and incorporated elements of Swing, Hustle, Afro-Cuban, and Afro-Caribbean dances such as Guaguanco and Pachanga.

Havana has a rich dance culture that includes Danzon, Mambo, Cha Cha, Bolero, and Ballet in addition to Salsa.

Truly, a trip to Havana promises experiences intrinsically unlike any other place in the world.