New Year's Eve in Havana
Revolution - New Year's Eve - New Year
On 1 January 1959, Fidel Castro announced the victory of the revolution in Santiago de Cuba after former President Fulgencio Batista was overthrown on 31 December 1958 and fled Cuba one day later - on New Year's Day.
New Year's Eve
New Year's Eve is also celebrated in Havana on 31 December. Until midday, the streets of the capital are still bustling with activity, preparations are made for New Year's Eve and last-minute errands are run before it seems as if the city has come to a standstill. New Year's Eve is a family celebration in Cuba, which is why Cubans spend the turn of the year with their families. People do not go out to celebrate until well after midnight.
Contrary to what travellers to Cuba expect, there are no fireworks or large public events at midnight. However, at midnight, cannon shots are fired from the La Cabaña fortress in Havana to commemorate the victory of the revolution, which can be heard throughout most of Havana. There is also a large televised ceremony.
New Year
There are a few events in Havana on New Year's Day that you can attend. There is also a big New Year's concert on the Malecón in Havana. However, the days after New Year are quite quiet and institutions such as schools, universities and some businesses are closed and usually only reopen on 3 January.
Travelling Central America
A trip to Central America is so much more than rainforests, volcanoes and dream beaches. Look forward to colourful colonial cities, warm-hearted people, exotic wildlife, living traditions and real adventures between the Pacific and the Caribbean.