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The diversity of Cuban rhythm and passion
Cuban music and Cuban dance are omnipresent and firmly integrated into the daily lives of Cubans. Whether in discos, at parties or simply on the street - people dance everywhere. Cuban rhythms are also very popular with foreigners. Cubans grow up with music and dance and have rhythm in their blood.
The nightlife in Cuba is a highlight of any trip. Even in smaller provincial towns there are concerts and discos during the week. In Havana, "Casa de la Música" in Miramar and Centro Habana are particularly well known, but the scene changes frequently and always offers new discoveries. Cuban youth prefer reggaeton, also known as cubaton, a mixture of reggae, hip-hop, merengue, techno and Latin American sounds. Although international CDs by stars such as Lady Gaga and Rihanna are sold on the streets, they find few buyers.
Larger events in Cuba often begin with live concerts, which are later replaced by other bands. For Europeans, the late starting times take some getting used to - the band often starts just before midnight. This unique nightlife contributes to the special atmosphere and the incomparable charm of Cuba.
Where does Cuban music come from?
The history of Cuban music began with "Areita", the name given to the musical style of the indigenous people of Cuba. Little is known about the culture of the Taínos, as only a few of them survived the Spanish conquest.
The Cuban music we know today has its roots in Spain and West Africa. Spanish culture and music mixed with African sounds as a result of the Spanish conquest and the introduction of slavery. The African slaves, used to replace the indigenous people in the sugar cane fields, brought their congos with them and gave Spanish music a faster rhythm.
Later, Cuban music was influenced by various genres from different countries. The most important of these are France, the United States and Jamaica.
The center of Cuban music and dance is Santiago de Cuba.
Popular music genres on the Caribbean island
- Son
- jazz
- Rumba
- Salsa Bolero
- Nueva trova
- Classical music
- Danzón
Son
Son is the origin of Cuban music and has spawned all other Cuban musical genres. It originated in the 19th century as a combination of Spanish verses and choirs as well as African singing and drumming.
Jazz
Jazz is extremely popular throughout the island. Cuban jazz musicians are famous all over the world. The annual International Jazz Festival in Havana and venues such as La Zorra y el Cuervo and the Jazz Café are great opportunities to experience top talent.
Nueva trova
"Novísima Trova" refers to a new generation of Cuban songwriters such as Silvio Rodríguez and Pablo Milanés. This socially conscious form of music, which dealt with personal and emotional themes, emerged in the 1960s and 1970s. After the fall of the Soviet Union, the genre developed further, with artists such as Liuba María Hevia, who sang about non-political topics such as love, and Carlos Varela, who openly criticized Castro's revolution.
Salsa
This famous genre originates from Cuban son, but also borrows heavily from other styles, particularly American jazz. Salsa dance was influenced by Afro-Cuban forms, especially rumba. Over time, it has developed its own style, Cuban salsa.
Bolero
The bolero, a romantic dance from Santiago, is often performed as a ballad by soloists or harmony duos. Small French-Creole bands called charangas often play these bolero ballads. Charangas were created by Haitian refugees in the Oriente during the Haitian revolution and are also known for danzón, mambo, chachachá and other folk music.
Rumba
Rumba, a spontaneous and lively dance, originates from the port workers of Havana and Matanzas. With quinto and tumbadoras drums and singing, a danceable form of music was created. "Rumba" comes from the verb "rumbear" (to celebrate). There are three rumba rhythms: Colombian, Guaganco and Yambú.
Classical music
The "Gran Teatro" Havana, the oldest theater in Latin America, offers opera and ballet performances. Cubans only pay a few cents, tourists pay 24 times as much. The neo-baroque building from 1838 is an architectural highlight. To the west of the city is the Museo de Danza, which specializes in ballet.
Danzón
The European influence on Cuba's music is most evident in the danzón. This elegant dance, which has its roots in European social dances, developed in Matanzas in the 1870s. It combines African and European elements and was influenced by artists such as Miguel Failde. Danzón was later successfully spread throughout Latin America, especially in Mexico.
Timba
Timba has been the most popular dance music in Cuba since the 1990s, now competing with reggatón. Related to salsa, timba has its own characteristics and its own history. Timba is to Havana what tango is to Buenos Aires and pagode is to Rio de Janeiro.
Cuba's music heritage
Since the revolution, the Cuban government has placed great emphasis on promoting culture and music. Music venues, the "Casa de la Trova", can be found everywhere in the larger cities and are also open to tourists. Unlike many other professions, Cuban musicians are allowed to market their work themselves at home and abroad.
As a tourist, you should know that music, partying and joie de vivre are part of everyday life in Cuba. There is no equivalent to the word "noise pollution" in Cuba - music is omnipresent and welcome here.
A special highlight: in addition to language courses, Sprachcaffe Reisen also offers its own dance courses. The extensive repertoire of our dance teachers enables you to improve your style or learn your first steps, whether in a group or in private lessons. Experience dance from Cuba, where salsa, rumba and cha-cha-cha embody the passionate and vibrant culture of the island.
Cuba dance - Sprachcaffe dance tours and courses
Dance classes in Havana
- Learn Cuban dances
- E.g. Salsa, Tango, Merengue, Bachata
- Book individual lessons or a dance week
Tango dance course Havana
- Argentine Tango
- For beginners and advanced dancers
- Feel the Latin American fire
Salsa dance course Havana
- Lively dance lessons
- Learn Salsa Cubana
- Experienced dance teachers
Frequently asked questions
The Buena Vista Social Club is a group of legendary Cuban musicians who have popularized traditional Cuban music worldwide. The 1997 album of the same name and the documentary film based on it brought them international fame. Their music encompasses genres such as son, bolero and danzón and embodies the authentic Cuban sound.
Cuban salsa, also known as casino, differs from cross-body in that it is danced in a circular motion, with the male dancer usually dancing in the center and the woman dancing around the male dancer on the outside. It does not have the "cross-body lead" and gives the female dancer more freedom of movement than the male dancer. It is not as mechanical as the others and allows for more improvisation or allusions to other Afro-Cuban dances such as the rumba. It is also musically different from cross body salsa. It is a form of Cuban dance that incorporates a lot of Cuban folklore and ideas, which is very popular in Cuba today and is considered part of Cuban social and cultural life.
Cuban music uses a variety of instruments that shape its unique sound and rhythm. These include congas and bongos, which are known for their distinctive drum rhythms, as well as claves, small wooden sticks that provide the basic rhythm. Maracas, a type of rattle, and the tres, a special Cuban guitar, are also characteristic of Cuban music. Trumpets add a melodic component to the music, while the piano and bass form the harmonic and rhythmic basis. The güiro, a rasp-like instrument, also contributes to the complex rhythms that make Cuban music so distinctive.
The Cuban drum, often referred to as the conga, is an important part of Cuban music. Congas are large, slender drums with a single head, typically made of wood or fiberglass. They are played with the hands and are known for their deep, resonant tones. Another important drum in Cuban music is the bongo, which consists of a pair of smaller drums that are played together. Bongos produce higher tones and are also played with the hands. Both drums, congas and bongos, are central to many Cuban musical styles and contribute significantly to the characteristic rhythm and sound.
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