1. French Cinema Festival in Cuba
   (End of June)
2. Havana Jazz Festival
   16- 19 Dec (Annual)
3. Havana Bienal
   March
4. Carnaval de Santiago
   21-27 July
5. Habana film festival
   2-12 Dec

Whether they are called carnavales, charangas or parrandas, large public celebrations dating at least (in Santiago de Cuba) as far back as the 17th century are common throughout Cuba. However, among Cubans, the Carnaval of Santiago de Cuba enjoys a special status (Pérez I 1988:20).

The history of Carnival in Cuba has been nuanced by a wide variety of interests and influences. Based on a Herskovitsian retention model, a retardataire analysis might stress a continuous historical connection with Africa. But carnival cannot be explained only in terms of its African roots.