The Fascinating Corner of 23 & 12 in Havana

As Cuba prepares to celebrate the five hundredth anniversary of the founding of Havana on November 16 2019, many of the city’s busiest places are getting a facelift.

Havana draped in literature again

The 28th Havana International Book Fair, one of the most eagerly awaited events for literature lovers, will take place February 7-17 at its usual headquarters in the San Carlos de la Cabaña Historical Military Park. With a special theme this time, it will be dedicated to the Cuban capital’s 500th anniversary. As always publishers, translators, designers, illustrators, authors, distributors and the general public will be able to enjoy a space designed to exhibit, sell and promote the best of Cuban and international literature.

Instead of bread...

By Elsy Fors

The Spanish word casabe comes from one of the languages of the indigenous people who inhabited Cuba before the Spanish settlers. The word is as old as the foodstuff it refers to: a flatbread similar to a Mexican tortilla that is made from grated cassava then dried and toasted in a ceramic dish. Casabe used to be stockpiled to last from one cassava harvest to the next.

Havanatur 40 Years The Cuba Specialist

Four decades since it was set up, the Havantur Group is still the world’s leading promoter of travel to Cuba. Its high level professionalism has enabled its growth and strengthened its position as an expert tour operator known as the Cuba Specialist.

Arroz con pollo, a traditional Cuban rice dish with chicken

By Silvia Mayra Gómez Fariñas

This is one of the dishes most often cooked in Cuba for family meals or to share with friends.

Cohiba and Partagás lead next Habano Cigar Festival

By Roberto F. Campos

The twentieth Habano Cigar Festival taking place this spring in Havana will centre around the two prestigious Cuban cigar brands, Cohiba and Partagás, lending a particular sheen to the event.

The Treasure of Antiquity

By Ana María Ruiz, Photos: Vladimir Molina

At the hands of Tomás Moscoso Rodríguez history breathes new air. Not History with a capital H but stories, the stories of generations of our anscestors, that are revived through his objects.

FCOM is Home

By Maria Karla González Mir Second Year Journalism Student

No one would imagine that the Communications Faculty, one of the University of Havana’s most modern faculties, had its origins in a small house on Calle G (G Street) in the Havana suburb of Vedado. What is today known as FCOM was previously linked to other faculties and departments related to Political Science and Philology until through the hard work of communication professionals, professors and students forged an identity of its own for the faculty, so that it could specialize and coordinate the degree courses it now offers: Information Sciences, Social Communication and Journalism

Guyana and Cuba approaching half a century of solid relations

By Mercy Ramos / Photos: Jose Meriño

Guyana and Cuba celebrate forty-five years of bilateral relations this December. A relationship distinguished by broad and profound cooperation across economy, education, culture, sport and politics, it has always been grounded in mutual respect, friendship and understanding.

Hershey: Another Space

By: Julia Portela Ponce de León

Hershey is the name of the place that forms the focus of Alfredo Sarabia’s photographic essay Pueblo Modelo (Model Town, 2013).

Havana’s José Martí Museum

By Livia Rodríguez

Inaugurated on January 28, 1925, the José Martí Museum in Havana is home to the world’s most important collection of items relating to the life and work of Cuba’s “Apostle” and national hero.

Tales from Atarés Castle

By Ciro Bianchi Ross Photos: Prensa Latina

The construction of the Atarés castle, on Soto hill behind Havana bay began following the storming of Havana by the English in 1762.

Prime Minister JUSTIN TRUDEAU visits havana

Text and photos by Heidi Hollinger

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau visits Havana 40 years after his father Pierre Elliot Trudeau’s historic state visit in 1976 when he became the first NATO country leader to call on the island since the 1959 Revolution.

Classic Cuban Rums

By Ciro Bianchi Ross

In 1778, the Island exported over 230 thousand liters of rum, but by the beginning of the 19th century – 20 to 25 years later – the country was producing over 4.5 million liters.

Casa del Habano Partagás your friends’ friend

By Mercy Ramos Photos: Courtesy of Tiendas Caracol

Lovers of the renowned Cuban cigar brand have a yearly opportunity to gather in the Cuban capital to take part in an exclusive event where they can enjoy the island’s famous tobacco and discover its tobacco plantations among other activities.