CARNIVAL MUSEUM

Founded on June 7, 1983, this very good museum traces the history of the carnival in Santiago de Cuba, considered the most prestigious of the island. There are many musical instruments, photographs, costumes and floats. Every day at 4 pm, the group 19 de Septiembre performs typical dances, such as the tumba francesa or the rumba. The performance, which lasts about 45 minutes, takes place in the patio of the museum. The price of the show is included in the entrance ticket, but if you want to take pictures, it is 5 € per person.

The museum is organized around three eras:

Colonial Era. Originally a religious festival dedicated to Santiago Apostol, patron saint of the city, Carnival became a pagan festival in the 16th century, with the participation of slaves and the creation of cabildos and the tumba francesa. The Spanish power used it to curb revolts or the escape of slaves.

The mercantilist or neocolonial republic. The carnival served as an advertising medium for companies (Bacardi, Hatuey beer...) and politicians who subsidized it. In exchange, the dancers and musicians agree to march, covered with the slogans of the moment.

The triumph of the revolution. Fidel and his men attacked the Moncada military barracks on July 26, in the middle of Carnival. After the victory of the revolution, new slogans praising the power in place appear. A certain return to tradition is also observed. The carnival takes place the last week of July!