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Holidays in Cuba

As a traveler, it is important to know the Cuban holidays, as they are deeply rooted in the country's culture and history and have a significant impact on everyday life. During these holidays, you can gain authentic insights into Cuban traditions and customs. In addition, knowing about the holidays can be helpful when planning your trip, as many stores and public facilities may be closed.

From regional celebrations to official holidays

In Cuba, there are both national and regional holidays that reflect the country's rich culture and history. These holidays offer a unique blend of historical, cultural and religious celebrations that are celebrated differently in different parts of the country.

Overview of national holidays in Cuba

January 1 - Liberation Day/Triumph of the Revolution

The victory of the Cuban Revolution in 1959 is regarded as a decisive moment in the history of Cuba. It marks the overthrow of the previous regime and the establishment of a new government under the leadership of Fidel Castro.

March/April - Good Friday

Good Friday is an important holiday in the Christian calendar, commemorating the death of Jesus Christ on the cross.

May 1st - Labor Day

As in many countries, May Day is dedicated to workers and their labor movements. This day serves to recognize their achievements in the labour movement and to celebrate workers' rights.

July 25 - 27 - National Uprising Day

The celebrations around July 26 in Cuba commemorate the attack on the Moncada Barracks, which took place on July 26, 1953. This "assault on the Moncada barracks" ultimately led to Fidel Castro taking power.

October 10 - Start of the War of Independence

The beginning of the War of Independence against Spain in 1868 is commemorated in Cuba as a significant event in the struggle for national independence and sovereignty.

December 25 - Christmas

Celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ with the Christian Christmas festival.

December 31 - New Year's Eve

On the last day of the year, the end of the year is celebrated and the new year is welcomed with fireworks.

Did you know?

In addition to the new official holidays, there are various regional holidays and days of remembrance that are also significant in Cuba: On December 4, it is part of the Afro-Cuban tradition to commemorate Saint Barbara (Día de Santa Bárbara). About two weeks later, on December 17, comes the Day of San Lázaro (Día de San Lázaro), when believers make a pilgrimage to his shrine in El Rincón near Havana.

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Important

As in Europe, many stores and public facilities in Cuba are closed on public holidays, such as National Day. Find out in advance which of your activities and sights have restricted access on public holidays.

Holidays in Cuba - Frequently asked questions

Yes, Easter is also celebrated in Cuba, but perhaps not as intensively as in some other countries with a more Christian culture. Although Cuba has been a secular state since 1992 secular state and is no longer explicitly atheist, only a few traditional Christian holidays are non-working. Cuba has a diverse religious landscape and Easter is celebrated in the country's Catholic communities through church services and festivities. In contrast to Germany, where Easter, Pentecost and Ascension Day are public holidays, Cubans only have Good Friday(Viernes Santo) as an official holiday.

The Christian festival of Christmas is similar to Easter. On Navidad, December 25th, many Cubans also celebrate with their families with festive meals, music and presents.

Christmas in Cuba is a unique blend of traditional Christian celebrations and Cuban culture, which differs significantly from European Christmas celebrations in some respects: Cuba's tropical climate ensures that there is no traditional winter atmosphere. While in Europe the streets are covered in snow and people stay indoors, Cubans celebrate Christmas outdoors or in open houses and courtyards. Instead of decorated Christmas trees, tropical plants are decorated and colorful lights are hung. The festivities are typically accompanied by dishes such as roast pork, yucca with mojo, rice and beans. Sweets such as turrón are also popular.

After the revolution, Fidel Castro declared Christmas a working day in 1969 to promote the sugar cane harvest. It was not until 1997 that Christmas was reintroduced as a public holiday as Cuba prepared for the upcoming visit of Pope John Paul II. The reintroduction of Christmas as a holiday was a symbolic act that heralded the beginning of a phase of dialog and rapprochement between the Cuban government and the Catholic Church.

Liberation Day, or Día de la Liberación in Spanish, is Cuba's most important public holiday. On January 1, Cuba celebrates the victory of the revolution led by Fidel Castro in 1959. On this day, the fall of the previous president, Fulgencio Batista, who fled the country on December 31, 1958, is commemorated. The holiday marks an important turning point in Cuban history and various events such as military parades, fireworks and concerts take place every year.

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