The
Cultura y Cubania festival kicks off on the very first day of October and continues for eight days.
In case you didn't guess it from the name, the festival is a celebration of Cuban culture involving Cuban musicians, artists and more.
This year Cuban TV will be in attendance too, beaming pictures 5,000 miles across the Atlantic to the famous Caribbean island.
A
number of events will be taking place during the festival, held at different locations throughout London.
The festival opens on Saturday 1st October with a big bash at
Charlie Wright's as part of its monthly El Rumbon Cubano monthly event. Doors open at 8pm and the fun carries on right through to the early hours - that's 4am (if you've got the energy).
It costs a tenner to get in, and you'll be treated to a night of live dance performances, Afro-Cuban folkloric shows and live Cuban music (from
Cuban Combination). There'll be a dance class from 8.30pm to 9.30pm so be prepared to get up, get involved and shake your booty. This should be an opening night to remember.
The next event is on the Monday, by which time you'll hopefully have recovered from the excesses of Saturday night. 'To Act in Society' will be a talk and discussion at
London Met about women and the media in today's Cuba, led by Cuban movie actress Yuliet Cruz. Yuliet will talk at the free event about her experiences in the Cuban movie industry and the kinds of issues she has to face when playing controversial characters.
On Wednesday (5th October), things will be a little more sedate but no less entertaining. It's your chance to enjoy the Omar Puente Quartet at
Bolivar Hall, featuring the internationally acclaimed Cuban violinst
Omar Puente. Tickets cost £10 in advance and £12 on the door.
A movie screening of
Habana Eva (Spanish with English subtitles) takes place on Thursday (6th) at
Canning House, with the aforementioned Cuban actress Yuliet Cruz playing Teresa in the film.
The festival will end as it begins - with a massive shindig (at
Praxis on the 8th). You might have to pace yourself with this one - it starts at 2pm and goes right the way through to 2am. Entry £15.
