Almost on the southern edge of the capital, in the El Rincón neighbourhood, is this church located next to an old Leprosy Hospital. A mass pilgrimage takes place here each year on December 17th (Saint Lazarus' day), when the faithful arrive on foot or crawling on their knees, often dressed in sackcloth. The common belief is that the saint is exceedingly generous with his miracles, and once inside the church, candles are lit and prayers offered to the image of Saint Lazurus, identified by Afro-Cubans as the deity Babalú-ayé.
Located on the Paseo del Prado, a boulevard that straddles Old Havana and Centro Habana, this prominent theater stands on the site where the Teatro Tacón stood for decades in a building known as the Palacio del Centro Gallego. Talented groups like the Cuban National Ballet Company, American Ballet Theatre, and Royal Winnipeg Ballet have all graced the stage, as well as performers like Ole Bull, Enrico Caruso, and Sarah Bernhardt. Even the Gran Teatro de La Habana structure is a work of art, featuring decorative sculptures by Giuseppe Moretti representing allegories of benevolence, education, music, and theater. See the impressive García Lorca Auditorium for yourself by supporting the Havana arts scene with your patronage.
A premier attraction for performing arts in Havana, particularly dance, the National Theater of Cuba has two main stages: the Avellaneda Hall and the Covarrubias Hall. The theater was founded toward the start of the Cuban revolution to promote art and propaganda, and it has since celebrated artists from various disciplines, bringing beloved entertainment to the people of Havana. Among the biggest draws are the performances put on by the Cuban National Ballet. Alongside its main stages, the theater also plays host to Café Cantante, a popular venue for Cuban folk music and fun events like comedy shows, and a piano bar with seating for 150 patrons. Even if you're unable to see a show at the National Theater of Cuba, stop by the Plaza de la Revolución to see the building, which is embellished with wonderful creations by Cuban artists.
Locally known as La Cabana, the Fort of Saint Charles or Fortaleza de San Carlos de la Cabana is one of the largest forts in the Cuban capital that was built sometime between 1763 and 1774. Overlooking the scenic waters of the Canal de Entrada, the castle occupied one of the most strategically-important locations in the country and hence was a subject of numerous tussles between colonial powers like Great Britain and Spain. It operated as a military prison till the ceasing of the Cuban Revolution. Today, the Fortress' grounds houses an assemblage of museums that specialize in regional history. Its battlements are home to a battery of formidable cannons that are fired in a synchronized fashion as part of a ceremony that celebrates the site's rich and varied history. The show is held at 9p every day.
This scaled-down model replica of Havana is the second biggest city model in the world, bettered only by the one made of New York. It replicates 144 square kilometres of the city, with buildings made out of cedar wood, and streets of coloured paper with sponges used as highlights. A team of architects, designers and model-makers was formed to work on this project. The group meticulously measured, photographed and recorded every part of the city block by block, including its trees, pavements, lamp-posts, traffic lights and much more. To see this marvel for yourself costs a mere USD3.
Founded shortly after the Cuban revolution, this cultural institution promotes all things Latin American and Caribbean. It is multidisciplinary in nature, offering events ranging from talks to workshops and even awarding prizes in literature, painting, photography, musicology, and engravings. The galleries found in the main building of the Casa de Las Américas house some of the finest art collections across Latin America. There are also three separate exhibition spaces and a specialty library. An excellent place to attend an event or explore aimlessly, this premier cultural center is a Havana institution that will leave you filled with wonder.