Santiago de Cuba

Santiago de Cuba is the island’s cultural pulse and occupies a striking spot of land between the azure Caribbean Sea and the Sierra Maestra Mountains.  Bongos are played on dusty street corners while son and salsa music fill the air. Everything about Santiago sizzles with passion and heat as it hosts more festivals than any other place in Cuba. Horse drawn carts are commonplace on the cobblestoned streets and vendors try to entice customers by selling drinks in cups made of banana leaves. Santiago is Afro-Cuban to the core, witnessed by the white clothing of Santeria initiates and the fast-talking nature of its residents.

Bayamo

Bayamo is a chess players dream. North of the Sierra Maestra mountain range, a street party called Fiesta De La Cubania breaks out every weekend along Calle Saco and as with most Cuban festivals, you can count on lots of dancing, music, and a pig roast. At this celebration, an added component exists: chess boards sit on makeshift tables lining the street.  Though it may seem like a special occasion to an outsider, this block party happens every week and is a perfect representation of the people of Bayamo, both laid-back and fun-loving.