Morning: today we visit to San Pedro de la Roca Morro Castle, a XVII century military construction atop the cliffs at the narrow entrance to Santiago Bay and one of the settings of the Spanish American War. The fortress was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1997, cited as the best preserved and most complete example of Spanish-American military architecture.

Throughout the day, we will also participate in various activities related to the Caribbean Festival. Your tour guide will present the day's schedule of events, and we will attend the most popular activities, time permitting. Among the most popular daily activities, we can highlight the following:

The International Colloquium The Caribbean that Unites Us. A space for reflection and debate on topics related to the history and culture of the Caribbean peoples.

The Presentation of the International Casa del Caribe Award. This award recognizes the work of national and foreign personalities and institutions that have excelled in promoting, developing, and researching traditional popular culture.

Visit the Art Exhibits at the Caribbean Hall. A collective exhibition of visual artists at the Oriente Gallery.

Visit the International Press Center. A space where press conferences are scheduled with invited personalities from Cuban and foreign culture attending the Festival.

Presentation of the Del Caribe Magazine. A publication from the Casa del Caribe.

Lunch at Paladar El Pirata, serving delicious local seafood dishes and boasting nice views of Santiago de Cuba bay and Sierra Maestra Mountains. Patronizing private family-run restaurants directly supports the Cuban people and the Cuban families financially while encouraging independent entrepreneurial activities that in turn strengthen civil society in Cuba.

Afternoon: then we will drive through the former bourgeois neighborhood of Vista Alegre for a visit to the Rene Valdes Art Gallery. This art space was established by the Caguayo Foundation, a cultural institution founded by world renowned local artist Alberto Lescay to promote monumental works of art.

Next we will pay a visit to Santiago’s Casa de la Ceramica where Santiaguero ceramic artists work using a range of techniques from raku, painted, to enameled work. Exchange with artists and staff members. Supporting the work of independent Cuban nongovernmental organizations, community projects and independent artists that promote independent business activity in Cuba by patronizing their private entrepreneurial activities is the main intend of our itinerary.

Panoramic bus ride of modern Santiago de Cuba. We will visit the Heredia Theatre, San Juan Hill, Square of Revolution Antonio Maceo, baseball stadium Saturnino Lora, Palacio de Justicia, among others.

This evening we will partake in The Fire Parade. It begins with a Congo ritual in honor of Nzambi, the supreme entity among practitioners of the Palo Monte religion. The Mpaka, a receptacle used for divination in the Palo Monte tradition and an emblem of the Fire Festival, is presented to the country to which the next Festival will be dedicated.

Afterward, you can enjoy various musical performances throughout the historical center as part of the Fire Festival, also known as the Caribbean Festival of Santiago de Cuba. With over 50 venues hosting activities, many set in beautiful outdoor locations, the Fiesta del Fuego is one of the largest and most vibrant street parties in Cuba, transforming the streets of Santiago de Cuba into a lively celebration of color, music, and dance.

Morning: participation in the Homenaje al Cimarron (Homage to the Runaway Slave). This event takes place in the town of El Cobre in recognition of slave rebellion. This tribute to slave rebellion, and indeed to human freedom, is held at each edition of the Fire Festival in one of the towns where the slaves first rose up in America, making it one of the most emblematic sites in Santiago de Cuba. It also pays homage to the culture left by the fugitive slaves in their struggle for emancipation, through the reproduction of their rituals, songs, rhythms, and dances.

During our support for the Cuban people trip to Cuba, we will engage in authorized support for the Cuban people activities at El Cobre Town, the headquarters of El Cobre Youth Steel Band. The community work of the band includes the betterment of El Cobre town and its locals. Under the direction of musician, Hermes Ramirez, a children’s steel band have been founded to preserve the musical and social work of the band for future generations. Performing for the Pope Benedict XVI during his visit to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Charity.

This support for the Cuban people activity will result in a meaningful interaction with the people of El Cobre town. We will present donations of educational & humanitarian items and ask how we can help promoting their message of peace in the USA.

Followed by a visit to Basilica de Nuestra Senora del Cobre. This is the country’s most sacred pilgrimage site since the Virgin of Charity is the patron saint of Cuba. In the Afro-Cuban religion she is associated with Ochun, the Yoruba goddess of love.

Lunch at Paladar Aurora. Paladar is a Spanish word that refers to private independent restaurants run by Cuban restaurateurs (self-employers). Cuban entrepreneurs are showing an emerging confidence and a newfound responsibility to take control of their futures after Raul Castro's economic reform programme. We will engage in a conversation with Cuban owners and staff to learn more about the booming independent Cuban hospitality industry. Eating in privately-owned restaurants directly supports the Cuban people and their families.

Afternoon: visit to Parque Cespedes, located at the heart of the historical center of the city. The Plaza is surrounded by important buildings such as:

The Cathedral, originally built in 1522 and where the remains of Diego Velasquez are buried.

Ayuntamiento (City Hall) erected in 1950’s. From the balcony of this building Fidel Castro gave his victory speech immediately after the success of the Revolution on January 1rst, 1959.

Visit the oldest house in Cuba, today Museo de Ambiente Historico Colonial and formerly the residence of Diego Velázquez in the XVI century.

Next we will pay a visit to Santiago de Cuba’s antique bookstore, Libreria Escalera de Edy, a privately-owned Cuban rare and old book store that also carries vinyl records, posters and other memorabilia. The book store serves also as a book exchange and cultural center for the neighbours. Run by self-employed Cubans (cuentapropistas) Edy Ferrer and Conrado Ferrer, here we can shop for some rare Cuban books, postcards and posters). Shopping in these sorts of stores directly supports the Cuban staff and their families while encouraging independent entrepreneurial activities that in turn strengthen civil society in Cuba.

Evening: you can enjoy various musical performances throughout the historical center as part of the Fire Festival, also known as the Caribbean Festival of Santiago de Cuba. With over 50 venues hosting activities, many set in beautiful outdoor locations, the Fiesta del Fuego is one of the largest and most vibrant street parties in Cuba, transforming the streets of Santiago de Cuba into a lively celebration of color, music, and dance. With plenty of vendors selling the national drink, rum-fuelled revellers get in the festival spirit as live bands, musicians and DJs keep crowds at fever pitch. The whole city seemingly takes parts with celebrations continuing through until the small hours.

Morning: ferry boat ride to Cayo Granma, a picturesque little island of red-roofed dwellings just inside the Bay of Santiago de Cuba.

Next we will visit the community art project, Suenos y Fantasia (Dreams and Fantasies) carried out by local children who use their imagination to create toys and crafts from recycled materials collected from the seashores. During this visit we will engage with the Cubans to learn more about the role of this Cuban independent organization. This Support for the Cuban People activity will result in a meaningful interaction with the people of Cayo Granma. We will present donations of educational & humanitarian items.

Optional lunch: with the help of your Authentic Cuba Travel® guide assisting with individual bookings, dinner time serves as a good opportunity to try a new paladar (family-run privately-owned restaurant), a business model that has flourished in the city in the past years since the Cuban government opened the door to private enterprise.

Throughout the day, we will also participate in various activities related to the Caribbean Festival. Your tour guide will present the day's schedule of events, and we will attend the most popular activities, time permitting. Among the most popular daily activities, we can highlight the following:

The International Colloquium The Caribbean that Unites Us. A space for reflection and debate on topics related to the history and culture of the Caribbean peoples.

The Presentation of the International Casa del Caribe Award. This award recognizes the work of national and foreign personalities and institutions that have excelled in promoting, developing, and researching traditional popular culture.

Visit the Art Exhibits at the Caribbean Hall. A collective exhibition of visual artists at the Oriente Gallery.

Visit the International Press Center. A space where press conferences are scheduled with invited personalities from Cuban and foreign culture attending the Festival.

Presentation of the Del Caribe Magazine. A publication from the Casa del Caribe.

Evening: you can enjoy various musical performances throughout the historical center as part of the Fire Festival, also known as the Caribbean Festival of Santiago de Cuba. With over 50 venues hosting activities, many set in beautiful outdoor locations, the Fiesta del Fuego is one of the largest and most vibrant street parties in Cuba, transforming the streets of Santiago de Cuba into a lively celebration of color, music, and dance. With plenty of vendors selling the national drink, rum-fuelled revellers get in the festival spirit as live bands, musicians and DJs keep crowds at fever pitch. The whole city seemingly takes parts with celebrations continuing through until the small hours.

Morning: as part of our full-time schedule of support for the Cuban people activities, we will attend a Tumba Francesa performance by the Society of Tumba Francesa "La Caridad de Oriente ", declared a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.

It conserves in all its splendor the contributions bequeathed by the French and dahomeyana- Benin, Congo and Niger cultures, in the island of Cuba; as genuine example of the tradition and expression of the popular culture of the Cuban east.

Afternoon and evening: participation in the different musical venues taking place in the historical center around the THE FIRE FESTIVAL 2025. There are over 50 locations holding activities during the fire festival, many of them in natural open settings.

Your guide will give you options the days before so that you plan ahead this day or just play as it goes!

Morning: throughout the morning, we will participate in various activities related to the Caribbean Festival. Your tour guide will present the day's schedule of events, and we will attend the most popular activities, time permitting. Among the most popular daily activities, we can highlight the following:

The International Colloquium The Caribbean that Unites Us. A space for reflection and debate on topics related to the history and culture of the Caribbean peoples.

The Presentation of the International Casa del Caribe Award. This award recognizes the work of national and foreign personalities and institutions that have excelled in promoting, developing, and researching traditional popular culture.

Visit the Art Exhibits at the Caribbean Hall. A collective exhibition of visual artists at the Oriente Gallery.

Visit the International Press Center. A space where press conferences are scheduled with invited personalities from Cuban and foreign culture attending the Festival.

Presentation of the Del Caribe Magazine. A publication from the Casa del Caribe.

Today, we will enjoy lunch at a private restaurant, Paladar St. Pauli. Located in a beautifully restored historical house, this chic eatery is vibrant with life, rich aromas, and exquisite flavors. It has transformed the culinary landscape in Santiago de Cuba, offering unique dishes like gazpacho that are hard to find elsewhere in the city. This presents a special opportunity for American visitors to engage directly with local entrepreneurs. Dining in privately-owned establishments not only enhances your experience but also provides essential support to the Cuban people and their families.

Afternoon: as part of our Support for the Cuban People initiative in Santiago de Cuba, we will participate in authorized activities, including a visit to the internationally recognized Cuban non-governmental organization, Promociones Literarias Claustrofobias. Founded in 2012 by Cuban entrepreneurs Naskicet Domínguez and Yunier Riquenes, this independent digital publishing house and cultural project aims to promote contemporary Cuban authors beyond national borders.

Claustrofobias is deeply involved in community outreach, including the Menique Children’s Literary Workshop, which encourages reading and writing among young children. The project also operates a bookstore that promotes and sells books. During this Support for the Cuban People activity, we will have the chance to converse with Naskicet, Yunier, Amels, Zaylen Clavería, and other team members.

We will then continue our exploration of Cuban history with a guided tour of the Moncada Barracks, the site of the armed attack led by Fidel Castro and a group of young revolutionaries on July 26, 1953. This event is considered a precursor to the 1959 Revolution. Today, the barracks house a museum and the largest primary school in Santiago de Cuba, serving over 1,500 students.

Our day will conclude with a visit to the Santa Ifigenia Cemetery, established in 1868 and one of the largest and most impressive cemeteries in Cuba, second only to Havana’s Necropolis Cristobal Colon. The cemetery features a mausoleum dedicated to those who lost their lives during the Moncada Barracks battle in 1953 and is the final resting place of José Martí, Cuba’s National Hero, as well as Fidel Castro.

Evening: you can enjoy various musical performances throughout the historical center as part of the Fire Festival, also known as the Caribbean Festival of Santiago de Cuba. With over 50 venues hosting activities, many set in beautiful outdoor locations, the Fiesta del Fuego is one of the largest and most vibrant street parties in Cuba, transforming the streets of Santiago de Cuba into a lively celebration of color, music, and dance. With plenty of vendors selling the national drink, rum-fuelled revellers get in the festival spirit as live bands, musicians and DJs keep crowds at fever pitch. The whole city seemingly takes parts with celebrations continuing through until the small hours.

Day trip to Guantanamo, the most eastern province in the island. The infamous US Guantanamo Bay Detention Camp and Military Base is located in the southern coast of Guantanamo province.

Upon arrival we attend a Tumba Francesa performance by the Santa Catalina de Ricci Pompadour Society, declared a UNESCO Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. Founded over 100 years ago and being one of only three Tumba Francesa societies left in Cuba that specializes in a unique form of Haitian-style dancing.

It conserves in all its splendor the contributions bequeathed by the French and dahomeyana- Benin, Congo and Niger cultures, in the island of Cuba; as genuine example of the tradition and expression of the popular culture of the Cuban east.

Next we will head to the House of Changüí to learn about Guantanamo's music. The changui is one of the oldest styles of Cuban popular music. It originated in the early 1800’s and it is considered to be the predecessor of the popular Son rythm. We’ll enjoy a special performance and exchange with the musicians.

We will have lunch at another privately-owned paladar (restaurant) today. We will engage in a conversation with Cuban owners and staff to learn more about the booming independent Cuban hospitality industry. Eating in privately-owned restaurants directly supports the Cuban people and their families.

Afternoon: before heading back to Santiago de Cuba, we will the privately-owned studio and art gallery of Carlos Rafael Gonzalez Barban. We will engage with our Cuban host and his family in a conversation to learn more about the Cuban culture and the challenges that independent private artists are facing in Cuba.

Evening: participation in the Ceremony of the Burning of the Devil (La Quema del Diablo). The Burning of the Devil is a vibrant celebration characterized by a whirlwind of drums, held at the Alameda on Jesús Menéndez Avenue. This event marks the farewell of the various groups and participants of the Festival. Alongside the sea, a massive effigy representing the Devil, which symbolizes all that is negative, is ignited. This ritualistic act is intended to pave the way for future gatherings and celebrations.

Early morning departure to Santiago de Cuba International Airport for departure.