Havana to Host the 9th Edition of Cuba’s Salsa Festival

The 9th edition of Cuba’s Salsa Festival will take place from February 19 to 23, 2025, as announced during a recent press conference.

The event’s Organizing Committee confirmed that CLUB 500 and the Memories Miramar Habana Hotel will serve as the main venues, hosting dance and music workshops as well as nightly concerts featuring renowned Cuban orchestras and international guest artists.

Festival founder and president Maykel Blanco highlighted that additional venues in Havana, including the National School of Arts (ENA) and the University of the Arts of Cuba, will host conferences where prominent artists will engage with younger generations.

Artistic director Edith Massola emphasized the festival’s expansion this year, stating, “We will extend our reach to different municipalities across the city, welcome special guests to schools, and foster exchanges with music students.”

Among the celebrated artists set to perform between February 19 and 23 are Haila María Mompié, Elito Revé, and Paulito FG, who shared their enthusiasm for the upcoming event during the press conference at the Memories Miramar Habana Hotel.

Other major acts include Los Van Van, Adalberto Álvarez y su Son, Septeto Santiaguero, Manolito Simonet y su Trabuco, and Alexander Abreu y Havana D’Primera, among others.

For the first time, instrumentalist Eduardo Sandoval will participate in the festival as the leader of his own group, showcasing his artistry in this new role.

The festival will also welcome artists from Puerto Rico, the United States, Peru, and Argentina, who will bring their musical talents to the stage. Meanwhile, dancers and dance academies will share their expertise, blending local and international styles.

DJs will have a dedicated space in this year’s edition, featuring representatives from Cuba, Mexico, Spain, and Italy.

Reynaldo Méndez, director of Carnaval Habana, announced that tickets for concerts at CLUB 500 will soon be available at cinemas, workplaces across the capital, and through the digital platform La Papeleta.

This vibrant festival is made possible through the support of the Ministry of Culture, the Cuban Institute of Music, ARTEX, the Musicalia Agency, and the Havana government, among other organizations. These institutions play a key role in ensuring that the festival continues to captivate audiences and uphold the vitality of Cuban music both at home and abroad.