Every year Cuba turns its theatres and concert halls into spaces for Jazz. The rhythm of this music takes over the entire island in the internationally recognized “Jazz Plaza”. Cuban musicians and internationally recognized foreigners gather in the main cities of the country to delight the public.
The Cuban Jazz Plaza Festival is an emblematic event that celebrates Cuba’s rich musical and cultural tradition. Since its inception in 1980, this festival has been a meeting point for jazz musicians from around the world, as well as a platform to highlight local talent and promote cultural exchange.
Cuba has a long history of contributions to the world of jazz, fusing African, Spanish and Caribbean elements to create a unique and vibrant sound. The Festival is an opportunity to explore this musical diversity and to immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of the Cuban jazz scene. Jazz in Cuba has a history of more than 90 years, beginning with performances at the Roof Garden of the Hotel Sevilla Biltmore in Havana.
Throughout the 20th century, jazz was integrated into Cuban musical culture, with the formation of orchestras such as the Castro Brothers and the Palau Brothers. Events such as the First Jazz Festival in 1963 and the creation of groups such as the Youth Orchestra of Modern Music and the ICAIC Sound Experimentation Group demonstrated the influence and diversity of jazz in the Cuban music scene. In international festivals, Cuban musicians such as Chucho Valdés impressed important jazz figures such as Gerry Mullingan and Dave Brubeck.
The Jazz Festival in Cuba emerged as a response to growing interest and jazz talent in the country. Organized at the Casa de la Cultura in Plaza, the event became an important platform for Cuban musicians, attracting outstanding international artists since its first meeting in 2018. Throughout 33 events, Jazz Plaza has promoted both veterans and new talent. Ten key figures in its creation include musicians such as Mario Bauza and Emiliano Salvador, as well as promoters such as Mario Barba.
One of the distinctive features of the Jazz Plaza Festival is its focus on improvisation and creativity. Cuban musicians are known internationally for their ability to improvise and their passion for musical exploration, and this festival gives them a platform to showcase their talent on an international stage.
José María Vitier, Gonzalo Rubalcab, Roberto Fonseca, David Virelles, and Alfredo Rodríguez are just some of the most prestigious Cuban jazz musicians who perform each year during the Festival, as well as other foreign musicians such as Wendy Barnes, Karen Briggs, Dominique Roland, or 92 other American artists.
In addition to concerts, the Jazz Plaza Festival offers a variety of complementary activities such as workshops, conferences and film screenings, which enrich the cultural and educational experience of the event. These activities not only give attendees the opportunity to learn more about the history and evolution of Cuban jazz, but also encourage active participation and dialogue between musicians and fans.
Jazz Plaza Festival also plays an important role in promoting cultural tourism in Cuba. It attracts visitors from all over the world who come to enjoy Cuban music, dance and culture, which contributes significantly to the local economy and the development of the tourism sector on the island.
From its modest beginnings to its current status as one of the most important jazz events in the Caribbean, the Jazz Plaza continues to inspire generations of musicians and music lovers around the world. In an increasingly connected but also fragmented world, this festival reminds us of the ability of art to unite and transcend the barriers that separate us.
