 |
|
|
 |
|
Sorry! Registration for this tour is now closed. Please consider joining one of our other Cuba Education Tours. |
 |
|
| Welcome to the Official 2010 Cuba May Day Celebration Tour |
|
|
|
| PROGRAM OVERVIEW |
|
| CITIES AND SITES VISITS |
|
 |
Ancient and modern Havana |
|
|
Matanzas City and province |
|
|
Fabulous Varadero Beach! |
 |
| TRIP ACCOMMODATIONS |
|
|
Hotel Habana Libre A Luxurious respite during an action packed itinerary at this historic five star facility. |
|
| TOUR HIGHLIGHTS |
|
|
A special afternoon for reflection and relaxation on the world-famed beaches of Varadero! |
|
|
Join the official May Day Celebrations at Havana's Plaza de la Revolución |
|
|
Visit an incredible scale model of Old Havana detailing every building |
|
|
Attend a regal cannon firing ceremony dating from 1519 |
|
|
Confab with representatives of the Cuban Teachers Union on gains in island education |
|
|
Enjoy Havana's best jazz at La Zorra y el Cuervo, and other hot salsa venues |
|
|
Visit the amazing handmade art book publisher Ediciones Vigía |
|
|
Lunch hosted by José Fuster, one of Cuba's most important ceramists and artists today |
|
|
Meet with members of the Federation of Cuban Women (FMC) to learn about gender parity |
|
|
Private panoramic motor coach tour of Modern Havana |
|
|
Lunch at La Mina restaurant for top-notch traditional Cuban dishes and live music |
|
|
Meeting with Union Nacional de Juristas de Cuba (UNJC) lawyers to learn about island jurisprudence |
|
|
Private guided tour of the Museum of Fine Arts Cuban Collection |
|
|
Visit CENESEX and Linea Ayuda, two organizations involved in sex education, LGBT rights, and AIDS awareness and prevention |
|
|
Private guided walking tour of the main historical sites of Old Havana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site |
|
|
Visit the Latin American School of Medicine where Cuba trains international students to become doctors serving the disadvantaged |
|
|
Farewell group dinner at the elegant Café del Oriente, and fine dining at other eateries of renown |
|
|
Witness the largest collection of colonial-era architecture in the Americas and inspect restoration and preservation efforts |
 |
|
No swine flu fears in Cuba. Click here for updates. |
Elder tenacity 94-year-old US Doctor Charles Grossman went to Cuba without permission in May 2009 and returned without problems. He challenged his president to normalized relations. He urges Americans to, "To go now." |
|
 |
In Cuba from Sunday 25 April to Sunday 2 May 2010 |
|
|
Eight days to witness stellar cultural and social achievements and join with one million Cubans during their 51st Anniversary May Day Celebration in Havana |
|
|
Meet Cubans from all walks of life: educators, unionists, equality and community activists, and health and cultural workers |
|
 |
|
Visit museums, architectural and historical sites, art and publishing houses, and legal and social justice organizations |
|
|
Relish the island's best food and entertainment all in the five star comfort of the Hotel Habana Libre |
 |
| I experienced so much joy and happiness. Cuba, hallmarked by its people, is the most beautiful country in the world. My tour was life altering. My heart is forever with islanders and their dreams. Jennifer Burns, Toronto, 50th Anniversary Cuba Education Tours participant |
|
Cuban May Day celebrants unfurl festive flag. |
BE AN HONORED international guest at the famed May Day celebrations in Havana's Plaza de la Revolución. Join hands with one million Habaneros on this historic 51st anniversary occasion. Appraise five decades of island achievements for labor, women, people of color, youth and the elderly, and sexual minorities. Explore art, music, nature, museums and dance. Meet and learn from Cubans who have won key social justice issues we still seek in North America. Establish lasting friendships with your new Cuban friends and among tour mates. Exchange ideas and share experiences with one another. The ideal tour for those who believe, as the Cubans do, that a better world is possible.
This tour has special island recognition and is designed by Cubans for North Americans to candidly examine and enjoy island life as is only possible on official Cuba Education Tours.
The program is fully escorted from the minute you touch down in Havana until you return home. While on the island you're in the conscientious care of our expert multilingual Cuban guides together with our professional bus chauffeur. Our Canadian and Cuban staff ensures worry free Cuba travel before, during and after your trip.
Time to commit. This tour is limited in size and fills up fast (see costs). Registration closes 30 days prior to departure. Consider signing up now. Shy, budget-minded or independent? Learn the benefits of group Cuba travel.
|
|
| TOUR ACTIVITIES LEGEND |
|
 |
|
May Day Girl icon for library and book fair events |
|
 |
|
Shoe icon for music and dance activities |
|
 |
|
Turret icon for history and architecture |
|
 |
|
Face icon for art, museum, and education visits |
|
 |
|
Owl icon for nature and ecology romps |
|
 |
|
Fork icon for tour meals included |
|
 |
|
Ball icon for beach, sun and swimming |
|
 |
|
Smiling boy icon for free time and leisure |
|
|
Hint BLUE text links across this site offer extensive details and pictures.
USA travelers This program is legal and licensable for professionals whose work is related to this tour's theme. LegalCubaTravel.com provides an easy step-by-step application kit.
Travel for change Cuba Education Tours is a Vancouver Canada based organization dedicated to green, ethical travel that benefits Cubans and our guests.
 Five star treatment round-the-clock from our Cuban and Canadian staff ensures worry free travel abroad.
Included in costs are all activities listed below unless noted otherwise.
Island transportation You travel in a private luxury tour coach chauffeured by a professional driver.
Meals All breakfasts are included. Some lunches and dinners are not. Your guide is glad to suggest eateries for every taste and budget.
Getting to Cuba Call 1-877-687-3817 toll free or email us. We can help.
Memories of Cuba last forever. Discover the island on routes less traveled with Cuba Education Tours.
1965 Cuban Workers Confederation (CTC) poster invites all to join with Fidel Castro on May First in Havana's Plaza de la Revolución.
 |
|
Read the invitation issued in 2009 by the Cuban Workers Central Union (CTC) to come to Havana for May Day: "All Cubans embrace your presence!" |
|
|
|
|
| CLICK TO REVIEW EACH TOUR DAY :: 01 :: 02 :: 03 :: 04 :: 05 :: 06 :: 07 :: 08 :: |
|
|
|
| Day 1 :: SUNDAY |
|
HELLO CUBA |
To Top |
Rooftops in Old Havana. |
|
Cuban girls perform folk dance. |
|
 |
|
 |
| Musician and dancers in Havana. |
|
|
Streets are alive with music. |
|
|
The capital city of Havana as seen from the El Morro Castle and La Cabaña Fortress, across the harbor from your hotel. Click photo to take an incredible virtual tour of El Morro and La Cabaña. |
|
Arrival at Havana's José Martí International Airport.
Collect your bags and go through customs. See What to take to Cuba including suggestions for gifts and donations.
You're welcomed at the airport by your Cuba Education Tours guide and professional bus chauffeur.
Your Cuba Education Tours guide will direct you to a bank or exchange bureau (CADECA) to purchase Cuban Convertible Pesos.
Group transfer to the Hotel Habana Libre located in Vedado, the heart of Havana's cultural and entertainment district. Private check-in with assistance from your guide.
Evening is free for you to settle in, rest up, explore Vedado's vibrant music milieu or stroll the Malecón seawall next to your hotel.
Sumptuous breakfast buffets are complementary and served daily from 7:00am to 10:00am. Special lunches are included on Days 2, 3 and 4, and an elegant group farewell dinner on Day 7. Your guide is available to suggest eateries for every taste and budget for meals not included in tour package.
 |
|
|
|
José Martí International Airport in Havana – a colorful welcome. |
|
|
Havana's Malecón seawall near your hotel – a place for relaxation and new friendships. |
|
| Most common questions 1 Is Cuban food good? It's healthy and simple but not spicy. 2 Am I free to ask any question? You'll insult your island hosts by being less than candid. 3 Is the water safe? Yes, but we suggest bottled water for peace of mind. 4 Are vaccinations needed? No. 5 Can Americans join? They are especially welcome to do so! 6 Can I stay in Cuba after the tour? Absolutely and we are glad to help. 7 Do Cubans like tips? Yes, please see our Gratuities Guidelines. |
|
|
|
|
Colorful indigenous Cuban Tody. |
|
CUBA IS THE LARGEST and least commercialized island in the Caribbean. It hosts 6000 plant species, half of which are endemic. There are 20 million palms in Cuba comprised of 30 species. Other flora includes the rare cork palm, a holdout from the cretaceous period; the jagüey, a fig with aerial roots; the palma barrigona (pot belly palm); the ceiba (sacred silk-cotton tree); and the mariposa (butterfly jasmine, Cuba's national flower). The most abundant land fauna is reptilian: crocodiles, iguanas, lizards, salamanders, turtles and 15 species of nonpoisonous snakes. The biggest land mammal is the jutía, a tree dwelling rodent the size of a cocker spaniel. The native bee hummingbird or zunzún is the world's smallest warm-blooded vertebrate weighing between 1.6 and 1.8 grams. The Cuban trogon or tocororo is the national bird – its red, blue and white plumage reflecting the colors of the Cuban flag. |
|
|
|
|
| Day 2 :: MONDAY |
|
EXPLORING OLD HAVANA |
To Top |
|
Island billboard reads: 200 million kids in the world sleep in the streets, none of them are Cuban. |
|
Example of restoration in Old Havana. |
|
Street pantomime in Old Havana. |
|
View of El the Capitolio from the Malecón seawall. |
|
Inside view of the dome of El Capitolio. |
|
 |
|
 |
| Exterior and interior of the Cathedral of Havana initiated by Jesuits in 1748 and completed in 1777. Click photos for larger view. |
|
|
Child welfare, health care, and thwarting crime and violence are chief aims of this block watch-type institution with chapters for every several hundred residents across the island. CDRs also ensure electoral integrity and provide detailed profiles on candidates for residents. Voting booth and ballot security is entrusted to primary school students on election days. |
|
|
Ornate filigree and statuary adorn Havana's Gran Teatro where the National Ballet performs. Click photo for view of interior. |
Morning walking tour of Old Havana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We'll visit four of the five historic plazas that make Havana unique in the western hemisphere. It contains the largest collection of remaining colonial-era architecture. This is a private tour led by your Cuba Education Tours guide.
Cathedral Square, the most beautiful and private 18th century colonial plaza on the island. Named after the masterpiece of Cuban baroque architecture: the Catedral de San Cristóbal de la Habana built by the Jesuit order.
|
| Square of Arms, an ancient military parade ground for Spanish soldiers, surrounded by impressive buildings such as: |
|
|
Palacio de los Capitanes Generales, former seat of colonial government. Today the building houses the Museum of the City. |
|
|
Palacio del Segundo Cabo, seat of the second authority of the island. Today it houses important publishing concerns. |
|
|
Museo de Artesania at Castillo de la Real Fuerza, the second oldest fortress built by the Spaniards in the West Indies. Today it displays treasures of artistic ceramics by the most prestigious Cuban artists from the middle of the last century to present. The institution is host to the Ceramic Biennial. |
|
We continue onto San Francisco Square, one of the oldest plazas in the historical quarter. The square is named after magnificent Iglesia y Monasterio de San Francisco de Asís dating from the 16th century. The basilica is a striking example of Cuba baroque architecture.
|
|
Plaza Vieja in Old Havana. |
And later to Plaza Vieja, the only civic square of colonial times. Absent are churches and government buildings, and is in contrast surrounded by opulent aristocratic 17th century residences. We'll visit an important center for the visual arts.
Next we'll visit the Scale Model of Old Havana to learn about the community, its history and its development plans.
|
|
Musicians perform at your restaurant. |
Lunch at La Mina Restaurant where you'll enjoy traditional Cuban dishes and live music!
Free time in the famous open-air handicraft market near Cathedral Square where you can purchase all sorts of crafts and souvenirs by local artisans.
|
|
Happy faces at a Committee for the Defense of the Revolution festivity – something you'll attend on this tour. |
Program highlight This evening you're a special guest at a festive gathering of at a local Committee for the Defense of the Revolution (CDR). CDRs are responsible for the well-being, education, sanitation and safety of people in their neighborhoods. This event is hosted for participants of the Official 2010 Cuba May Day Celebration Tour. Tip: Be a good guest. Plan to take snacks for the kids, and rum and coke for the adults. |
|
|
| Day 3 :: TUESDAY |
|
HEALTH CARE, CITY TOUR, WOMEN, AND THE ARTS |
To Top |
|
Practicing martial arts moves. With a one-to-one ratio of staff-to-special needs kids, they excel in many endeavors. |
|
|
Vilma Lucila Espín Guillois (1930-2007), mother of Mariela Castro Espín, was a feminist and revolutionary married to Raúl Castro, the current Cuban President. Espín was founder and President of the Federation of Cuban Women (FMC) from 1960 until her death. The FMC has a membership of over 4 million women. Espín was also a leader in the Council of State, as well as a member of the Central Committee and the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of Cuba from 1980 to 1991. |
|
 |
|
This inspired mural was painted on a garage door of a Havana FMC facility thirty-five years ago. Click mural for large view. |
|
|
Members of the Federation of Cuban Women greet Cuba Education Tours participants at their national headquarters in Havana. |
|
|
Visit to Escuela Latinoamericana de Medicina – ELAM (Latin American School of Medicine). Established in 1999 and financed by the generosity of people of Cuba, ELAM is the largest medical school in the world with a current enrollment of over 12,000 students from over 29 countries. All its students come from outside Cuba and are mainly from Latin America, the Caribbean and Africa. The school also accepts disadvantaged students from the United States. Tuition, accommodation and board are free, and a small stipend is provided to students. Upon graduation young doctors are expected to return to their homelands and provide medical services to the poor for a period of three years.
 Get ready for an air-conditioned luxury coach tour of the most important sites of Modern Havana such as the Capital building, the Grand Theatre, Central Park, Prado promenade, Plaza de la Revolución, Coppelia Ice Cream Park, Plaza José Martí (in front of US Interests Section), Malecón seawall, Monument to the Battleship Maine, Hotel Nacional, University of Havana, Cementerio de Cristóbal Colón, and the Miramar, Central Havana and Vedado neighborhoods.
This afternoon we'll feast on a delicious lunch hosted by José Fuster, one of Cuba's most important contemporary ceramists and artists at his whimsical studio in Jaimanita, just outside of Havana.
Afterwards we'll meet with members of the Federation of Cuban Women (Federación de Mujeres Cubanas – FMC). Founded in August 1960, today it is Cuba's largest mass organization and a United Nations recognized NGO. We'll learn of its crucial work in advancing full female equality, leadership building, skills training, and scores of other essential services for women and the family.
Evening suggestion Dance to Afrojazz, Cubajazz and Sonjazz at Club La Zorra y El Cuervo [The Fox and the Raven] featuring astonishing performances by island bands and soloists! It is frequented by artists, students, dancers, and foreign guests (entrance free of 10 CUC not included in cost). |
|
| Logo of the Latin American School of Medicine (ELAM). Learn more about ELAM here. |
|
 |
|
|
First eight US medical students graduate from the Latin American School of Medicine. They return to the States and help the poor for two years in return for full tuition and lodging paid by the Cuba people. Photo Javier Galeano |
|
|
Fantasy garden and studio of acclaimed artist José Fuster. |
|
|
Hundreds of thousands of children in Africa benefit from free dedicated services of Cuban doctors and nurses. People in the Caribbean also benefit. In Haiti, for instance, the first doctor 90% of the population has seen was Cuban. |
|
|
|
| Day 4 :: WEDNESDAY |
|
SEXUAL equality, WELL-BEING, ART AND HISTORY |
|
To Top |
|
Havana's former Capital building is today home to the Academy of Science, and an internet cafe. |
|
|
Interior of former Capital building. |
|
|
RESTAURANTE EL ALJIBE Always filled to the brim with clued-in local and foreign diners who appear to be having the time of their lives, this joint's barbecued chicken served in bitter-orange, lemon, and chicken juices sauce is the house dish, at once dark and tangy. And, oh yes, the house special of black beans, rice, chicken Aljibe, and tostones is a resplendent all-you-can-eat delight.
 |
|
|
|
|
Soldiers fire the 9PM cannon. |
|
|
Students watch the blast of the 9PM cannon. |
|
|
Exclusive morning meeting with members and representatives of CENESEX (Centro Nacional de Educación Sexual / National Center for Sexual Education). This organization and its founder Mariela Castro Espín campaign for equality and dignity for lesbians, gays, transsexuals and transgendered people. Its work consists of advocacy at the community and political level combined with national education efforts and sensitivity training. In particular CENESEX leads in the areas of HIV/AIDS awareness and support services, and gender and sexuality counseling. The heroic work of CENESEX has rocketed Cuba into the stratosphere of the most progressive nation in Latin America for queers. As such, Cuba today is ahead of the United States on matters of legality, compassion, safety, health and government supported promotion of equality.
Followed by a meeting with Línea Ayuda. This dynamic volunteer organization provides a help line for people with HIV/AIDS together with crucial outreach, and prevention and education activities.
Lunch at one of Havana's most popular restaurants: El Aljibe, an unforgettable scrumptilicious dining experience.
|
Víctor Manuel's Gitana Tropical, known as the Cuban Mona Lisa, was painted in Paris in 1929. |
|
Private guided tour of the Palacio de Bellas Artes [Palace of Fine Arts] dedicated exclusively to housing Cuban art spanning three centuries. Sections are devoted to landscape, religious subjects and narrative scenes of Cuban life. A gallery devoted to the 1970s displays the latest generation of Cuban artists whose works reflect the strong symbolic imagery prevalent in recent decades. Together the exhibits account for the richness of the island's Spanish, French, Chinese, African cultural roots. Notable works include those of René Portocarrero and Wilfredo Lam.
Evening highlight Tonight we visit the Fortress of San Carlos de la Cabaña and tour the facilities where Che Guevara set up his headquarters after the January 1, 1959 victory over US-backed forces. Then onwards to witness a most dramatic ceremony – El Cañonazo – the Firing of the 9PM Cannon La Cabaña. This enchanting colonial reenactment dates back to 1519 when the city of Havana was enclosed by a tall thick rock wall to ward off attacks from pirates and the English. The cannon firing signaled the closing of the city gates for the night. If you were outside at the time, you were in "vedado" or the forbidden zone. Today Vedado is an important cultural hub and beautiful section of modern Havana. |
|
"Our task is to cure homophobia, not homosexuality," says CENESEX president Dr Mariela Castro Espín. Learn more about renowned sexologist, the incredible daughter of the Cuban president, and her campaign for sex education, fairness and equality, and dreams for Cuba too, at GayCuba.ca |
|
 |
|
 |
| Left Publication of CENESEX offers in depth coverage on all matters of sexuality and AIDS prevention. Right CENESEX pro-condom poster reads: Disfruta la vida evita el SIDA. ¿Cómo demuestro que te amo? [Enjoy life, avoid AIDS. How I show you that I love you?]. This one shows a woman holding a condom and tulip. A matching version shows a man. They appeal to both gays and straights. |
|
FIRST HERO OF THE CUBAN PEOPLE
Taíno Indian Chief Hatuey from the island of Hispanolia traveled to and warned his Cuban counterparts of the horrific dangers they faced from the impending Spanish invasion in the year 1511. Read about his legendary struggle – that of the premier independence and resistance fighter in our Americas who staked his life for freedom from foreign occupation and thralldom. |
|
|
Details from two stone monuments in Havana honoring US civil rights heroes Malcolm X and Dr Martin Luther King, Jr. |
|
|
|
| Day 5 :: THURSDAY |
|
Cuba's legal and education systems |
To Top |
|
University of Havana Alma Mater. The institution was founded in 1728 and is recognized globally as a preeminent institution of higher learning. |
|
Popular student poster against tightening the economic blockade of Cuba by G.W. Bush. It asserts island youth will not be bought or deceived. Youngster puts Bush's demands in trash bin. Click here or poster for larger view. |
 |
|
Grupo La Peña del Chan Chan performs at Casa de la Amistad. |
|
|
Entrance to the Casa de la Amistad. |
|
|
|
Logo of La Unión Nacional de Juristas de Cuba. |
Morning meeting with members of the Cuban National Society of Social Sciences and representatives of the Unión Nacional de Juristas de Cuba - UNJC (Cuban National Union of Lawyers). The UNJC holds special consultative status on the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), a body facilitating international cooperation on standards-making and problem-solving in economic and social issues. During this most exceptional encounter tour participants will have an exclusive opportunity to learn about all aspects of Cuba law. Tour members keen on further research can review Cuba's succinct constitution by clicking here. It's a social justice document without compare in the modern world.
|
Cuban teacher and her student. |
Afternoon meeting with leading educators at the headquarters of the Cuban Teachers Union (an affiliate of the nationwide Cuban Workers Confederation - CTC) to discuss the island education system and the role of their union. This dynamic advocacy association has 320,000 members who have a strong impact on childhood development and curriculum. Cuba emphasizes teachers must reflect the colors of its mixed race population. The union is the largest in Cuba. Its focus spans all academic fields plus sports, arts and health. The island spends 18% of its GDP on education, more than any other nation. In contrast Canada spends 6% and the US 4.6%.
|
Cubans come in all colors and are proud of it! |
Maximum Cuban class size is 20 students, but the union's goal is 15. Membership in the union is not compulsory and fees are not deducted from pay, but instead are collected by a union representative. Cuban teachers are committed to playing a decisive role in advancing the social, cultural and political integrity of the individual and their country's independence free from the trappings of western consumerism.
Suggested evening venue: Peña del Chan Chan at Casa de la Amistad to hear a traditional septeto band playing live (optional activity, not included in cost). Get ready to shake your booty with people from dozens of nations together with Cubans. |
|
|
The statue of and monument to national hero José Martí dominates the Plaza de la Revolución. Fidel Castro had a unique role as a young attorney in the development of the monument. |
|
|
Rural middle school students. |
|
|
To know how to read is to know how to walk. To know how to write is to know how to climb. – José Martí, hero of Cuban independence. Click here to learn more about José Martí. |
|
|
Grade eight folklóricas students. |
|
|
Ballet, dance, music, art and other cultural pursuits are socially sponsored. The concept of the starving artist in Cuba is alien. |
|
|
This tiny rural school with only thirteen students is staffed by two teachers and a support worker. It has computers and television. Electricity is solar powered. |
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
| Afrocuban dance in Havana. African and Spanish heritages have combines to create a rich unique culture. Photos Barbara Fudge |
|
|
|
| Day 6 :: FRIDAY |
|
MATANZAS, VARADERO, CUBAN PUBLISHER, BEACH |
To Top |
Detail of page from Ediciones Vigía book produced by hand from "found materials." |
|
|
Varadero is fun, clean and safe. It is considered amongst the top ten most fab beaches in the world. Click photo or here for an enlarged photo. |
|
 |
|
 |
| Musicians and kids play on the beach. |
|
 |
|
Baby sea turtle. Cuba's beaches are perfect for snorkeling and water sports. Cuba rigorously protects endangered species. |
|
|
|
Original hand made books on display at Ediciones Vigía. Photo source: CubanArtSpace.net |
|
Program highlight Morning departure to Matanzas. We stop for a visit and tour of Ediciones Vigía, and meet with its director and other members of this most unique publishing collective located in the city of Matanzas located in the western province of the same name. It fabricates books by hand using the most basic materials, techniques and equipment. The results are shocking artistry that has raised the reputation of this once obscure operation to international acclaim. Established in 1985 as an artist and printers cooperative, Ediciones Vigía began publishing some of Cuba's most important writers including Pablo Armando Fernandez, Cintio Vitier, Eliseo Diego, Nancy Morejon, Fina Garcia Marruz, and Roberto Fernandez Retamar. In the 1990s, it started to reproduce works by contemporary authors worldwide. A recent edition, for example, pays homage to Spanish poet and playwright Federico García Lorca (1898-1936) issued on the 70th anniversary of his murder by fascists.
Many of Vigía's books are designed by the collective's artistic director Rolando Estévez, who also creates award-winning illustrations. Dozens of other local and national artists also contribute designs and drawings. Shortages of paper forced the collective to produce their own that incorporates leaves, yarn and other found materials as ingredients. As a result, Vigía's limited edition (200-run average), hand-decorated books for adults and children have an authenticity without equal. The books are wonders to behold and each page brings surprises.
Beach afternoon! Don't forget your swimwear and sunscreen; el sol shines stronger on the island! Varadero's wondrous white sand beaches rival the best sun destinations in the world. This is a great occasion to sunbathe, swim, snorkel, relax and spend time with your new Cuban friends and tour mates. Other more exotic aquatic activities and services are available for very reasonable fees.
Return to Havana. Your evening is free to explore the city's nightlife independently or with your friends. Don't stay up too late. Transportation to May Day activities begins at 6:00am. |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
| Some among many staples grown in Havana. Urban organic gardens supply forty percent of market produce: Left to right Bananas, coffee beans, cucumbers, pineapple, sweet potatoes, eggplant, and avocados. |
|
|
|
| Day 7 :: SATURDAY |
|
MAY DAY CELEBRATIONS |
To Top |
 |
|
 |
| Flower and flag fashion statement for the event. Right Che banners are waved with pride. |
|
|
Youth hangs flags across alley. |
|
|
|
University of Havana student contingent for May Day. |
|
A family affair. |
One million people participate in Havana's May Day celebrations in the Plaza de la Revolución making it the largest annual global gathering of humanity after the pilgrimage to Mecca. Friends of Cuba from over a hundred nations attend. The event includes music, dance, pageantry, speeches, and greetings from world dignitaries. Naturally the leaders of the island are in attendance, as will you be.
Program highlight Farewell dinner at Café del Oriente! This elegant eatery with its beautiful patterned marble floor, high ceilings, and dark wainscoted walls is considered tops in the city. The menu is one of the more extravagant in Havana, offering exotic entrees available nowhere else.
|
|
Friends of Cuba from over a hundred countries attend the celebration and hoist their national flags – don't forget to bring yours! |
|
Nothing in life compares to the depth of emotion felt when immersed in an ocean of humanity proclaiming in heartfelt unison the desire for peace, equality and dignity for all. Everything pales to this experience for which the words magic, ecstasy and sacred cannot begin to describe. Marcel Hatch, Education Director, Cuba Education Tours |
|
|
|
| Day 8 :: SUNDAY |
|
GOODBYE CUBA, HELLO NORTH AMERICA |
To Top |
| KEEP IN TOUCH with your new Cuban friends – exchange email addresses! Bring some business cards to pass out on the island. Take pictures and keep a journal. Upon your return, we'll post them on this website for all to see and enjoy. |
|
|
|
|
Invite your friends to join you on the island for the Official 2010 Cuba May Day Celebration Tour. |
Early morning transfer to Havana's José Martí Int'l Airport for your return home. Don't forget to save 25.00 CUC for your Cuban airport departure fee and some money for meals on the airplane.
Want to stay longer in Cuba following your tour? Contact us and we will help make it happen. |
|
Old Cuban saying, "a true friend remembers the song in your heart when you have forgotten the lyrics." |
|
 |
|
 |
|
We'll miss you and hope you return soon! |
|
|
