Hola! My name is Yane Marquez and I was born and raised in Cuba. After graduating from the University of Havana and the Tourism School of Cuba, I worked for over 10 years as a tour guide, translator and event organizer for Cuba's travel companies and organizations. I guided many groups attending Cuba's main international festivals, fairs and events. A few years ago, I moved to Canada where I have continued promoting Cuba’s tourism industry. I would be more than happy to answer any question you have about festival Cuba travel. Do not miss out!
Contact Me
Accomodation:
This Cuba tour offers the following Cuban hotels and Casas Particulares (Private Homestays):
This Cuba tour travels to the following Cuban destinations:
Old Havana UNESCO World Heritage Site in Havana City
Cienfuegos UNESCO World Heritage Site in Central Cuba
Trinidad UNESCO World Heritage Site in Central Cuba
USA Cuba Cultural Travel
Accredited schools and universities will no longer need to apply for a Specific License for Cuba travel by their students, faculty and
staff (including but not limited to adjunct faculty and part-time staff). Now they can travel to Cuba under a General License
(no application necessary) if participating in a structured educational program as part of a course offered for credit by the
sponsoring U.S. institution. How to Go?
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Performing Arts & Theatre Cuba Tours are the Crown Jewel of the Cuba Cultural Tours brought to you by Authentic Cuba Travel®
Performing Arts Cuba Cultural Tour for Performing Arts & Theatre Professionals! From October 5 to October 12, 2024
Travel to Havana, Cienfuegos, Trinidad and more for $2,599
Referral Discount: $100
Invite 1 Friend and Pay $2,499 only
Invite 2 Friends and Pay $2,399 only
Invite 3 Friends and Pay $2,299 only
Invite 4 Friends and Pay $2,199 only
Invite 10 Friends and Pay $0 And remember every person you invite
will also receive a $100 discount!
This Cuba cultural tour for actors, dancers, choreographers, theater directors, performing arts and theatre teachers, set designers, stage managers,
arts & entertainment workers and for all performing arts and theatre professionals represents a rare opportunity to explore Cuban performing arts and theatre world, get to know Cuban theatre groups and performing arts companies and meet Cuban performing arts professionals.
Theatrical performances were organized in Cuba as early as the 17th century during the Corpus Christi and patron saint's day festivities then held in every Cuban town. The 19th century was a brilliant period in romantic theatre, while popular or vernacular theatre was very well received by audiences. During the Republican period, small theatre companies that followed contemporary drama styles were abundant, although they survived by donations as they lacked official support.
During the 60s, new theatre companies, playwrights and directors emerged, focusing on both traditional dramas (greatly accepted by theatre goers) and productions that assimilated the newest trends in international theatre. Today, Cuban theatre retains this variety, and several companies and directors have achieved significant popularity with daring and unconventional works.
While the emphasis of this Cuba tour will be on Cuba's performing arts and theatre, this is also a cultural journey. As you explore America’s largest
and best preserved Spanish historical cores such as UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Old Havana, Cienfuegos and Trinidad Historical Centres, you will enjoy cross cultural/
people-to-people experiences that will remain with you for the rest of your life. You will be fascinated by the Cuban people,
the Cuban culture, and the social/political/economic structure of Cuba.
Therefore, this performing arts tour is also a brilliant way of seeing the real Cuba; such a passionate and patriotic people have transformed this country into a very environmentally friendly place; partly because of the trade embargo, meaning that nearly everything the Cuban population uses is made and produced in Cuba and as a result is sustainable.
Please, check the day-by-day itinerary below. Welcome Aboard!
Notice to US Schools of Music & Dance, US Colleges of Performing Arts, US Dance Centers, US Ballet Schools, US Modern Dance Schools, US Dance Academies, US Conservatories of Dance and other Academic Institutions from USA:
In January 2016, the US Government announced further enhancements to the 12 categories of authorized travel to Cuba that previously required a specific license (this is, lengthy applications to OFAC). Now travel to the Caribbean island is allowed under a general license (this is, self-completed paperwork with no application to OFAC needed).
After President Biden’s policy change on USA Cuba travel on June 9, 2022, the General License for Educational Activities remains in place. Accredited U.S. graduate or under graduate degree-granting institutions; U.S. Academic Institutions; and U.S. Schools can organize and sponsor an educational trip to Cuba for their students, faculty and staff under the General License for Educational Activities, provided that the trip meets OFAC guidelines; and that an employee or other representative of the organization escorts the trip to make sure such guidelines are followed by all participants.
US Schools of Music & Dance, US Colleges of Performing Arts, US Dance Centers, US Ballet Schools, US Modern Dance Schools, US Dance Academies, US Conservatories of Dance and other US Academic Institutions can organize and sponsor a trip to Cuba for educational activities. The purpose of the Cuba travel should be for:
_ the participation in a structured educational program offered for credit as part of a course of the sponsoring institution;
_ educational exchanges sponsored by Cuban or U.S. secondary schools involving secondary school students’ participation in a formal course of study or in a structured educational program offered by a secondary school or other academic institution, and led by a teacher or other secondary school official are authorized. This authorization allows for participation of a reasonable number of adult chaperones to accompany the secondary school students to Cuba.
_ attendance at non-commercial academic seminars, conferences and workshops related to Cuba sponsored or co-sponsored by U.S. academic institution.
_ non- commercial academic research related to Cuba for the purpose of obtaining a graduate or undergraduate degree;
_ the participation in a formal course of study at a Cuban academic institution provided that credits will be accepted toward the student’s graduate or undergraduate degree;
_ participation in a 10-week structured educational program in Cuba as part of a course offered at the U.S. institution;
_ participation in a formal 10-week course of study at a Cuban academic institution, provided the formal course of study in Cuba will be accepted for credit toward the student’s undergraduate or graduate degree at the U.S. institution;
We take care of all details both in North America and in Cuba, including VISA and flight arrangements to Cuba's main destinations via USA ports (Miami, Tampa, New York, Los Angeles, or other) or through third countries like Canada and Mexico. Authorized US organizations can travel through a third country subject to the same restrictions and requirements as those flying directly from USA.
At Authentic Cuba Travel®, we have been organizing such educational and cultural travel experiences from the United States of America for years with great success.
Notice to US Centers for the Performing Arts, US Dance & Ballet Theatres, US Dance & Ballet Organizations, US Dance & Ballet Councils, and other US Organizations:
US Centers for the Performing Arts, US Dance & Ballet Theatres, US Dance & Ballet Organizations, US Dance & Ballet Councils, and other Organizations from USA can organize a trip to Cuba under the provisions of the General License for Educational Activities, the General License for Group People-to-people Educational Travel, the General License for Support for the Cuban People, the General License for Professional Research, the General License for Semi-Professional & Amateur International Sports Competition, the General License for Humanitarian Projects, the General License for Activities of Private Foundations or Research or Educational Institutes among others. Certain conditions are to be met to comply with OFAC General License requirements for each category of USA Cuba travel though.
The mission of your organization and the objective of your trip to Cuba determine under what general license you can travel to Cuba legally. In general, most trips should consist of a full-time schedule of activities intended to promote the exchange with the ordinary citizens of Cuba. This full-time schedule must also include educational activities that result in meaningful interaction in between U.S and Cuban nationals. Free time in excess or regular tourists' activities are not permitted.
We take care of all details both in North America and in Cuba, including VISA and flight arrangements to Cuba's main destinations via USA ports (Miami, Tampa, New York, Los Angeles, or other) or through third countries like Canada and Mexico. Authorized US organizations can travel through a third country subject to the same restrictions and requirements as those flying directly from USA.
At Authentic Cuba Travel®, we have been organizing such educational and cultural travel experiences from the United States of America for years with great success.
Professional Research General License Documentation.
Full-Time Schedule of Professional Research Activities.
Tour of UNESCO World Heritage Site, Havana Historical Centre.
Explore Havana Historical Centre, a UNESCO Heritage Site.
Guided tour of Cienfuegos city, UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Guided tour of UNESCO World Heritage Site, Trinidad.
Travel to UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sugar Mill Valley.
Visit to Cuba's La Colmenita Children Theater Company.
Visit to Buendia Theatre Group, directed by actress Flora Lauten.
Tour the headquarters of Conjunto Folklorico Nacional.
Tour of the Cuba's National Art Schools.
Visit the Lizt Alfonso Ballet School founded in 1991.
Visit group theatre, Teatro Escambray, in the Escambray Mountains.
Tour the 19th Century Tomas Terry Theatre.
Attend traditional ceremony, the Fire of the Cannon of 9 O’Clock.
Visit to Hamel alleyway, a picturesque street in Centro Habana.
Enjoy Afrocuban religious presentation by Regla Folkloric Group.
GENERAL LICENSE FOR PROFESSIONAL RESEARCH CUBA TRAVEL
US Professional Dancers, US Choreographers, US Dance Teachers and Students; and other Performing Arts & Theatre Professionals from USA interested in conducting professional research on Cuba’s Performing Arts and Theatre industry can travel to Cuba under the provisions of the General License for Professional Research.
CATEGORY: General license for Professional Research and Professional Meetings- 31 C.F.R. § 515.564(a)(1) of the current Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) regulations.
The travel- related transactions set forth in § 515.560(c) and such additional transactions as are directly incident to professional research are authorized, provided that:
(i) The purpose of the research directly relates to the traveler’s profession, professional background, or area of expertise, including area of graduate-level full-time study;
(ii) The traveler does not engage in recreational travel, tourist travel, travel in pursuit of a hobby, or research for personal satisfaction only; and
(iii) The traveler’s schedule of activities does not include free time or recreation in excess of that consistent with a full-time schedule of professional research.
We provide our US travelers with all the required documentation to ensure they are in compliance with 2022 Biden administration’s rules on Cuba travel under the US Cuba Travel category: Professional Research and Professional Meetings. US travelers can choose to depart to Cuba from any US port of their choosing.
A meticulously chosen repertoire, workshops, lectures and seminars, top-notch performances, and the unique acting methods of the Buendia Theatre Company have captured the interest of audiences and critics alike both in Cuba and internationally. Its most successful productions include Innocent Eréndira, which toured the world for five years, Another Tempest, The Bacchae and Charenton.
Professional dancers from Conjunto Foklorico Nacional performing the dance of Palo, Yuka and Makuta in Havana, Cuba.
La Colmenita, or "The Little Beehive," began as a Havana community theater project during one of Cuba's most economically desperate times. Cuba's internationally acclaimed children's theater, a UNICEF Goodwill ambassador, brought its high-energy and entertaining mix of rock and roll and fairy tales to Washington, New York and San Francisco.
The Lizt Alfonso ballet is composed only of women and a music band. It has been acclaimed in Cuba and abroad in the USA, Canada, Spain, New Zealand, Venezuela Colombia and France.
Community-based popular theatre movement began in Cuba about ten years after the triumph of the revolution. Teatro Escambray emerged as internationally recognized models of popular theatre and as valuable sources for research into Cuban cultural tradition and revolutionary transformation.
During this cultural tour, we will travel to Trinidad's Historical Centre, declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1988 with a wealth of architectural buildings dating from the 18th and 19th centuries.
The Sugar Mill Valley is one of the most photographed landscapes in Cuba, as well as a must-photograph in every Cuba cultural tour. The monumental value of the 65 sites that form the valley increases the interest to visit this place, where important vestiges of the island's sugar colonization still survive.
Day 1. Saturday 5 October 2024. Hello Cuba
Arrival at "Jose Marti" International Airport in Cuba's capital city.
Your Cuban performing arts and theatre journey has just begun!
Meet your Authentic Cuba Travel® tour guide and bus driver.
Private transfer to your
Luxury Casa Particularlocated at the cultural center of Havana City.
Group check-in. Breakfast is complimentary from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Day 2. Sunday 6 October 2024. Havana
Breakfast is complimentary everyday from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Morning: visit to theatre group, Buendia. Directed by actress, teacher and artistic director Flora Lauten, the company was founded in 1986 with graduates from the Instituto Superior de Arte, with two basic approaches to its work: the production of plays that combine song, dance and acting; and the research into Latin American and Caribbean cultural traditions, the actor's means of expression and new stage languages.
Followed by guided walking tour of UNESCO World Heritage Site, Old Havana.
Visit to the Cathedral Square, named after the masterpiece of Cuban baroque architecture: the Cathedral of Havana built by the Jesuit order.
Visit to Square of Arms, ancient military parade ground for Spanish soldiers and surrounded by impressive buildings such as:
Palacio de los Capitanes Generales, the former official residence of the governors (Captains General) of Havana, Cuba. It is home to the Museum of the City of Havana.
Palacio del Segundo Cabo. The seat of the second authority of the island. Today it houses important publishing houses.
Continue walking tour onto San Francisco Square, named after the Convent of San Francisco, this square was conceived in 1628, with the objective of supplying water to the ships trading with the metropolis.
Visit to Plaza Vieja, the only civic square of colonial times. Notice it doesn't have a church or government building around. Here we will visit important institutions for visual arts.
Welcome Lunch: a new wave of paladares (privately-owned restaurants) has recently swept the Cuban dining scene offering excellent food and charming ambient. Today we’ll enjoy a welcome lunch at the stylish Paladar San Cristobal, one of Havana's top ten private restaurants.
Afternoon: ferry boat ride across Havana harbour to the town of Regla. This Afrocuban community has a long, rich and still active tradition of African-inspired religions integral part of today's Cuba's Religions.
We'll visit Regla's church dedicated to the black "Virgen de Regla" Yemayá, the African goddess of the sea in the Yoruba religion and the patron saint of sailors.
Tour of Regla's municipal museum to learn the origins of this unique community and its Afrocuban cultures.
Enjoy private Afrocuban religious dance presentation by Regla Folkloric Group.
Free time in the famous handicraft market of Old Havana, located inside the Almacenes de Depósito San José, an old warehouse on the harbour side where you can purchase all sorts of crafts and souvenirs by local artisans.
Evening: enjoy Afrojazz, Cubajazz and Sonjazz at Club La Zorra y El Cuervo, Havana’s most famous Jazz club. The club features great performances by island bands and soloists! (optional, not included)
Day 3. Monday 7 October 2024. Explore Cuba's capital, Havana City
Morning: visit to the headquarters of Cuba’s La Colmenita Children Theater Company, directed by Carlos Alberto Cremata. Exchange with directors, teachers and children.
Followed by guided coach tour of the most important sites of Modern Havana such as the Capitol building, the Grand Theatre, Central Park, Prado promenade, Sevilla Hotel, Revolution Square, Malecón seawall, Monument to the Battleship Maine, Hotel Nacional, University of Havana, Cristóbal Colón Cemetery, and the Miramar, Central Havana and Vedado neighbourhoods.
Visit to Callejon de Hammel. An alley in which facades of all buildings display mural painting inspired on Afro- Cuban religions by painter Salvador Gonzales. Also meet with artist and visit his studio.
Lunch hosted by Jose Fuster, one of the most important Cuban ceramists and painters today.
Afternoon: visit to the headquarters of Conjunto Folklorico Nacional. The most outstanding performers of the National Folklore Group will show the secrets of Cuba folk dances, a mix of African and Spanis roots, and the magical sounds produced by the Cuban percussion instruments.
Evening: attend one of the most traditional and popular ceremonies in Cuba, Fire of the Cannon of 9 O'Clock at the
Fortress of San Carlos de La Cabana.
Day 4. Tuesday 8 October 2024. Havana
Morning: visit to the Lizt Alfonso Ballet School founded in 1991. Lizt Alfonso’s choreographies are dance and music of a kind no one else creates: a seamless fusion of Spanish classical dance, ballet, flamenco and Afro-Cuban dance.
Tour the school and meet with students and teachers.
A new wave of paladares (private family-run restaurants) has recently swept the Cuban dining scene offering excellent food and charming ambient. Today we’ll enjoy lunch at the stylish Paladar Cafe Laurent at the penthouse terrace of a small 1950s apartment building.
Morning: guided tour of Cuba's National Art Schools (ISA). ISA professors are all active visual artists, art curators or art critics. The faculty of visual arts provides a combination of theory and practice designed for students serious about pursuing artistic achievement through concentrated study.
Study at the Institute is comparable to conservatory work in the United States. This is a great opportunity to exchange with the new generation of Cuban visual artists. Meet with students and professors.
Evening: free.
Day 5. Wednesday 9 October 2024. Havana- Cienfuegos- Trinidad
Morning departure to Trinidad, in Central Cuba.
En route, we will visit Cienfuegos City, a city of neoclassical buildings with a European flair.
Visit to Palacio de Valle upon arrival. This architectural jewel originated as a home for trader, Celestino Caceres, who later
gave it as a wedding present to the Valle family who added to it (in a Mughal Style with carved floral motifs) a stunning Carrara
marble staircase, cupped arches, bulbous domes and delicate arabesques.
Lunch is included at Paladar Ache, one of Cienfuegos top ten private restaurants, serving local specialties in a pleasant courtyard.
Afternoon: guided walking tour of Cienfuegos' Historical Center.
We will visit neoclassical buildings around Paseo del Prado and the main Square Jose Marti such as:
The Tomas Terry Theatre, completed in 1895 and named after a sugar baron from Venezuela who arrived in Cuba with no money and
made his fortune by buying sick slaves for a low price, to later nurse them back to health and reselling them. This money was
invested in a sugar estate that brought him the wealth to build several outstanding buildings in Cienfuegos, including this
theatre, with materials specially brought over from Europe.
The Casa de la Cultura, home of another wealthy sugar baron, stunning mansion in neoclassical style.
The Cathedral built with the donation of wealthy families like the Lebrancs, the Albis, the Terrys. Inside you find the
reproductions of the 12 Apostles in stained glass imported from Paris. Also the original machinery of the clock tower was built
in France. Still in place and working.
We'll also visit the elegant art gallery Galería de Arte Maroya and review its impressively displayed collection of paintings,
sculptures and antiques.
Now we journey on to the historic city of Trinidad and check in at your Luxury Casa Particular.
You'll have time for dinner and a swim in the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea.
Day 6. Thursday 10 October 2024. Trinidad
Morning: guided walking tour of UNESCO World Heritage Site, Trinidad’s Historical Center, a perfect relic of
the early days of
the Spanish colony with beautifully preserved streets and buildings with hardly a trace of the 20th century anywhere.
Visit to the Architecture Museum (Casa de los Sanchez Iznaga), housing the most representative samples of the city's architectural
development in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Visit to Museo Lucha contra Bandidos, former home of the San Francisco de Asis convent.
Visit to Museo Romantico, overlooking the Trinidad main square. It has an excellent exhibition of romantic style porcelain, glass,
paintings and decorative furniture which belonged to the Conde de Brunet and other Trinidad notorious families.
We will stop at a mirador (lookout) over the Sugar Mill Valley, where the sugar barons used to have their countryside mansions and
mills. This site is an UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Trinidad is well known for its pottery makers. We meet with a family that has been passing the tradition for generations:
the Santanders.
Lunch at Solananda Paladar.
Free time to wander the streets of historical centre or enjoy the beach.
Evening is free to enjoy the beach and the lively streets of Trinidad. How about live Cuban popular music on
steps of Casa de la Música – a great opportunity to dance with Cubans and your tour companions.
Day 7. Friday 11 October 2024. Trinidad
Morning: visit to group theatre, Teatro Escambray, based in La Macagua, in the heart of the Escambray Mountains. 'Theatre Group Escambray was founded in 1968 by actors Sergio Corrieri and Gilda Hernández. In its early years, its repertoire drew from the dynamics between the actors and the peasant community of the Escambray Mountains.
Early morning departure to Havana City International Airport for departure.
Want to Take Your Students to Cuba?
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Quote for your students, and check some of the resources we put at your service. Request School Tour to Cuba Now!
Hola! My name is Yane Marquez and I was born and raised in Cuba. After graduating from the University of Havana and the Tourism School of Cuba, I worked for over 10 years as a tour guide, translator and event organizer for Cuba's travel companies and organizations. I guided many groups attending Cuba's main international festivals, fairs and events. A few years ago, I moved to Canada where I have continued promoting Cuba’s tourism industry. I would be more than happy to answer any question you have about festival Cuba travel. Do not miss out!
A meticulously chosen repertoire, workshops, lectures and seminars, top-notch performances, and the unique acting methods of the Buendia Theatre Company have captured the interest of audiences and critics alike both in Cuba and internationally. Its most successful productions include Innocent Eréndira, which toured the world for five years, Another Tempest, The Bacchae and Charenton.
The Lizt Alfonso ballet is composed only of women and a music band. It has been acclaimed in Cuba and abroad in the USA, Canada, Spain, New Zealand, Venezuela Colombia and France.
Community-based popular theatre movement began in Cuba about ten years after the triumph of the revolution. Teatro Escambray emerged as internationally recognized models of popular theatre and as valuable sources for research into Cuban cultural tradition and revolutionary transformation.
During this cultural tour, we will travel to Trinidad's Historical Centre, declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1988 with a wealth of architectural buildings dating from the 18th and 19th centuries.
The Sugar Mill Valley is one of the most photographed landscapes in Cuba, as well as a must-photograph in every Cuba cultural tour. The monumental value of the 65 sites that form the valley increases the interest to visit this place, where important vestiges of the island's sugar colonization still survive.
Arrival at "Jose Marti" International Airport in Cuba's capital city.
Authentic Cuba Travel®'s cultural tours are hosted by Cuba’s key Culture ministries, organizing committees and Cuban culture personalities. Travel with the peace of mind of knowing you are in the best hands!
