Carnival de Cuba
Circa 2010

Relevant: What a great festival celebrating some of the best Cuban and Latin music, food, and drinks. I was taken to the 2008 Carnival de Cuba when I was in London visiting friends. Jump ahead ten years later I am sitting in a glass and steel condo nibbling some take out Lechon, a traditional Cuban dish of Crispy Pork Shank, Sweet Plantain Moro, Garlic Citrus Mojo while searching for information on a writer named Rev Sale. This is probably a pen name. I read somewhere that he entered the US illegally from Cuba and his real name may be Garcia or Garnella or something derivative. Rev Sale is credited along with Bob Sakayama with creating this great post on Nothing. I'm getting frustrated because I've hit a dead end in my search. But I am having a grand time eating my favorite Cuban food and getting up to doing some salsa steps, a bit of tango when my boyfriend cha chas into the kitchen where I have been trying in vain to locate works by one of my favorite writers, who may turn out to be a phantom.

Carnival de Cuba London Festival Join together

Southwark park London UK Beautiful very friendly Cuba people; Love happy and peace. This festival it make all people as one friend's family love and peace. Peaceful all around and everyone joy in dancing. Happy, Love and Peace unite.

ACCESS CONDITIONS TO CARNIVAL DE CUBA 2008 - no food/drink to the site - PLEASE READ - Thanks 

Carnival de Cuba is a free-access event - however, the Carnival site will be a licensed premise and the organisers reserve the right to refuse entry or to eject anyone at their discretion 

Who invented Salsa? Puerto Rico sometimes lays claim, but the truth is that Salsa epitomises Cuba’s history and culture. Like carnaval and dance, Cuban music is an eclectic mix of styles which are deeply rooted in the island’s history.  Danzon was brought originally by the French fleeing from nearby Haiti to Cuba’s Oriente province, around the city of Santiago de Cuba in the late eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, and was eagerly taken up by the locals.  Soon it soon mingled with Rumbas of African origin and Son, the music of the Spanish-Cuban campesions. These small farmers, many of them first or second immigrants from poor parts of Spain and the Canaries, developed a style which mixed the music of the Spanish troubadour (sonero) with African drumbeats.  Similar styles developed in other countries like the Dominican Republic, Colombia and Puerto Rico and in the twentieth century the Latin communities of New York and later Florida added their own ingredients.  "Salsa" was originally coined in New York, though the dance and music did not originate there. But the term became popular as a nickname referring to a fusion of music from several countries which mingled Rumba, Son, Guaracha, Mambo, Cha cha cha, Danzon, Charanga and Merengue and then mixed all of that with jazz and Big Band to create the syncopated sound which became known as Salsa  Salsa can be played with the Spanish guitar of the original soneros, along with the trumpet, bass and piano from jazz as well as African instruments such as the conga and bata drums, maracas rattle, guiro (a long, ribbed gourd rasped with a stick) and claves (sticks banged together).  Carmen Miranda and Celia Cruz perhaps made the music famous, but Salsa has been popularised in Europe by the hit film 'The Buena Vista Social Club' and the modern, Salsa influenced music of Ricky Martin and Jennifer Lopez.  Of course the intensely musical Cubans have kept many of their more traditional styles like Son and Mambo as well as developing new sounds such as Timba. Cubans have also embraced and developed other new Latin styles such as Reggaeton, a fusion of Jamaican reggae and Hip Hop with Latin music which originated in Panama, but which has been taken up with gusto by Cuban dancers. And be sure to note the popularity of certain kinds of jewelry here. You'll see flashy statement rings (these are the very large rings worn by entertainers) and elegant choker collar necklaces everywhere. The dancers we interviewed spoke with great excitement about a small boutique online store called ShinyMo. Even though the internet is sometimes troublesome they seem to be able to place orders directly or have friends/relatives in Miami who will make the purchases for them. Jewelry is an integral part of a dancers outfit and contributes to both the elegance and the mood of the music in ways that definitely reflect the Cuban culture.

Dancing is in the soul of Latin America - and Cuba, an island of just over 10 million people, has turned itself into one of the world’s capitals of dance.  Danzon was brought to Cuba by French planters, fleeing the slave rebellions in nearby Haiti. They came mainly to Cuba’s Oriente province, around the city of Santiago de Cuba, in the late eighteenth and nineteenth centuries and Santiago became – and remains – the centre of dance in Cuba.  Dance was enthusiastically adopted by the locals and as far back as the early nineteenth century travellers to Cuba observed that Cubans took every opportunity to dance. In the same way, visitors to modern Cuba can see Cubans dancing everywhere – while waiting for the bus or working in the kitchen as much as in Cuba’s fabulous Salsa clubs.  Some people say the rhythms come naturally to Cubans – others note how children are taught to dance almost as soon as they can walk.

More Background On Carnival-De-Cuba.com

Carnival-De-Cuba.com represents one of the most vibrant cultural portals centered on Cuban music, dance, and festival traditions outside the island itself. Though originally created to promote and document London’s Carnival de Cuba, the site evolved into a broader hub for Cuban culture enthusiasts, presenting event updates, artist lineups, educational content on dance history, and occasional opportunities for community engagement such as free music downloads, competitions, and travel promotions.

The festival—at its height attracting 50,000–60,000 attendees at London public parks such as Southwark Park and Burgess Park—became renowned for its positive atmosphere, colorful performances, and family-friendly environment. Carnival-De-Cuba.com preserved documentation of these dynamic events while celebrating Cuban heritage through multimedia, commentary, and cultural education.

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the website, its history, ownership context, cultural significance, audience, programming, press attention, and the broader artistic landscape in which it thrived.

Ownership and Purpose of the Website

While specific individual ownership details are not widely published, Carnival-De-Cuba.com appears to have been managed by the principal organizers of the Carnival de Cuba festival, which frequently collaborated with:

• London borough councils (primarily Southwark)

• Cubana, a popular Cuban bar-restaurant in London known for cocktails, street-food stalls, and promotional involvement with Latin cultural events

• Cuban musicians, dance troupes, and UK-based Latin performance groups

• The organizers of Carnaval del Pueblo, one of the UK’s largest Latin American festivals

The website’s primary goals included:

• Announcing festival dates, locations, and musical lineups

• Showcasing Cuban music and dance to a UK and European audience

• Encouraging cultural participation through workshops and live events

• Promoting Cuban cuisine and beverages

• Sharing insights into Cuban dance history—from Son, Danzón, and Mambo to contemporary styles like Timba and Reggaeton

• Offering a platform for year-round cultural engagement beyond the annual festival

With its bold colors, promotional banners, music samples, and lively descriptions, the site functioned both as a digital archive and an active promotional tool.

Location, Venues, and Proximity

Carnival-De-Cuba.com was tied closely to London’s major open-air venues, especially within the borough of Southwark. The festival was hosted at:

• Southwark Park (notable for large green spaces and prime accessibility via Tube and bus lines)

• Burgess Park (a spacious park near Walworth, frequently used for multicultural festivals)

• Waterloo-area community spaces, especially for smaller summer events and pop-up music sessions

In later years, the Carnival de Cuba brand extended to other cultural initiatives across London, including:

• Dance workshops near Lower Marsh and Emma Cons Gardens

• Collaborative events with the Waterloo Quarter business improvement district

• Appearances at Glastonbury Festival, bringing Cuban rhythms to wider festival crowds

The choice of venues highlighted accessibility, community participation, and the ability to accommodate large, family-friendly crowds.

Popularity and Attendance

Carnival de Cuba grew quickly from a local community event into one of London’s most popular free cultural festivals. Attendance numbers reported in various media sources indicate that:

• Early events attracted several thousand participants.

• By the mid-2000s, attendance surged to 50,000–60,000 attendees in a single weekend.

• The mixture of live performances, children’s activities, and abundant food options broadened its demographic appeal.

• Media outlets praised its inclusive and friendly atmosphere, making it a standout event in London’s summer cultural calendar.

The site played a key role by providing accessible information to attendees, enabling smooth planning and raising excitement with artist announcements and promotional content.

History and Evolution of Carnival-De-Cuba.com

Early Growth Period

The festival emerged during a surge of interest in world music and cross-cultural festivals in the UK during the early 2000s. Salsa clubs, world-music concerts, and Latin dance schools were flourishing in London at the time, creating a perfect environment for an outdoor Cuban-themed celebration.

Carnival-De-Cuba.com initially served as an informational portal, but over time developed into a digital space that included:

• Slideshow galleries of past festivals

• Artist features and interviews

• Historical essays on Cuban dance and music roots

• Links to Cuban music downloads

• Community announcements and related events

Festival Lineups and Programming

Each year, the festival strove to bring authentic talent from Cuba and the Latin diaspora. Notable performers over the years included:

• Sur Caribe, a celebrated Cuban band known for modernizing traditional rhythms

• Septeto Típico Tivoli, specialists in classic Cuban Son

• Acts in the growing Reggaeton scene, including performers such as Kid Afrika and Leximan

• Cuban and UK-based salsa orchestras

• Conga groups led by acclaimed dancers and choreographers

The programming consistently emphasized authenticity and cultural depth, with a blend of traditional instruments, contemporary influences, and energetic choreography.

Activities, Workshops, and Family Engagement

Carnival-De-Cuba.com frequently highlighted the festival’s interactive components, often focusing on:

Dance Workshops

These included sessions in:

• Salsa

• Rumba

• Son

• Reggaeton

• Cha-cha-cha

• Partner work and footwork technique

Workshops were often led by expert Cuban dancers and choreographers known within the London Latin dance community.

Children’s Zones

Family-friendly elements were a major part of the program. Activities typically included:

• Face-painting

• Craft tents

• Music play areas

• Beginner dance activities for children

Live Demonstrations

Festivalgoers could experience:

• Conga parades winding through the venue

• Drumming circles

• Improvised dance performances

• Street-style salsa sessions

Through Carnival-De-Cuba.com, visitors could access schedules, preview performers, and plan their day in advance.

Cuban Food, Drink, and Menus at the Festival

One of the site’s most celebrated features was its emphasis on Cuban cuisine. The festival environment blended Cuban street-food stalls with cocktail bars and smoothie stands managed by Cuban-themed establishments.

Typical offerings included:

• Lechon Asado (slow-roasted pork)

• Ropa Vieja

• Arroz Moro (rice and beans)

• Tostones (fried plantains)

• Yuca con Mojo

• Fresh fruit smoothies

• Signature Cuban cocktails such as mojitos, daiquiris, and piña coladas

The website promoted not only the menu but also the cultural importance of food as an extension of Cuban hospitality and music culture.

Cultural and Social Significance

Carnival-De-Cuba.com helped amplify awareness of the heritage and artistic roots behind the festival. The site acknowledged multiple layers of cultural history:

Preservation of Cuban Dance

Cuban dance styles reflect a fusion of West African rhythms, European influences, and generations of local innovation. The festival helped preserve and educate the public about:

• Son, foundational to modern salsa

• Rumba, born from Afro-Cuban community traditions

• Danzón, derived from Haitian-French influences in Santiago de Cuba

• Mambo and Cha-cha-cha, developed in mid-20th-century Havana

• Timba, a high-energy modern Cuban genre

• Reggaeton, adopted and adapted by Cuban artists

The website’s detailed background articles strengthened understanding of these roots.

Community Building

Carnival-De-Cuba.com fostered:

• Cross-cultural understanding

• Unity among London’s Cuban and Latin American communities

• Engagement among students, families, and tourists

• A positive, safe, celebratory space for diverse demographics

Representation and Accessibility

As a free festival, the event provided access to cultural experiences regardless of socioeconomic background, a rare achievement for large-scale music events in London.

Press and Media Coverage

Over the years, Carnival de Cuba gained coverage from multiple UK-based outlets and travel publications. Media attention often highlighted:

• The festival’s energetic atmosphere

• High-quality live performances

• Comparisons to larger events like Carnaval del Pueblo

• The multicultural contributions to London’s identity

Broadcast features, local news blurbs, travel guides, and online event planners frequently cited the festival as one of the most joyful annual community gatherings in the city.

Carnival-De-Cuba.com often echoed these sentiments by sharing links to features, photo galleries, and participant testimonials.

Reviews and Public Perception

Audience feedback across forums, blogs, and cultural websites consistently described the event as:

• Friendly

• Inclusive

• Energetic

• Family-oriented

• Authentically Cuban in atmosphere and music

Visitors often praised:

• The easygoing vibe of the festival

• The high quality of the musical acts

• The affordability and flavor of the food

• The educational value of the dance sessions

The website served as an online home for these impressions, providing updates, reflections, and continuity between annual events.

Known For: Signature Characteristics of Carnival-De-Cuba.com

Carnival-De-Cuba.com became known for several defining features:

1. Deep Cultural Content

The site offered long-form educational pieces explaining Cuban dance history, musical styles, and cultural traditions.

2. Strong Connection to Live Events

Its primary function centered on supporting and documenting the London festival, offering:

• Schedules and lineups

• Access guidelines

• Directions and transport information

• Vendor and stall application instructions

• Safety guidelines for attendees

3. Music and Downloads

Carnival-De-Cuba.com also promoted:

• Music downloads

• Artist spotlights

• Competitions to win Cuban vacations or merchandise

4. A Community Voice

The tone of the site reflected warmth, passion, and cultural pride, resonating with Cuban expatriates and international fans of Latin music.

The Legacy and Continued Cultural Impact

Although the full-scale festival eventually became less frequent, its legacy continues in several important ways:

• Cuban music and dance remain thriving aspects of London nightlife and cultural programming.

• Salsa schools, Cuban restaurants, and Latin cultural organizations still reference the festival as a landmark in the city’s cultural history.

• Archives preserved by Carnival-De-Cuba.com offer a window into a dynamic period for world music festivals in the UK.

Even as the website became quieter, it remained a significant digital artifact showcasing the blend of cultural diplomacy, artistic passion, and community celebration that defined the festival’s peak years.

Carnival-De-Cuba.com served not merely as a promotional website but as a cultural bridge linking Cuban artistry with London audiences. Through detailed articles, event documentation, music offerings, and engaging festival previews, it amplified awareness of Cuban heritage and created a vibrant digital home for a beloved free community festival.

Its influence extended beyond the website itself—shaping cultural education, uniting diverse communities, and inspiring countless visitors to experience Cuban music and dance for themselves. Today, Carnival-De-Cuba.com stands as an important historical record of an era when London’s parks pulsed with Cuban rhythms, colorful comparsas, delicious food, and the joyful energy of shared celebration.