Carnival Begins in Havana Ahead of 500th Anniversary

Havana, Aug 17 (Prensa Latina) Like every popular festival that treasures each locality's tradition, the carnival of Havana begins today in all its municipalities to celebrate, among other things, the city's 500th anniversary in 2019.

Several celebrations appear in this edition that will take place these last two weekends of August, such as the anniversaries of the comparsas 'El Alacrán' and 'Los componedores de batea', or the 40th anniversary of the Cabildo de La Habana company.

In a city that moves towards its half millennium, the challenges of its traditions require a modern concept to treat them at the height of these times.

With these premises, the artistic director of the carnivals of the Cuban capital, Efrain Sabas, highlighted the commemorations of those emblematic groups.

Each municipality will have its own float, carnival dancing group, regardless of those that will parade along the waterfront avenue, the main stage of the event, he added.

Popular bands such as Los Van Van, Manolito Simonet y su Trabuco, Anacaona will contribute nice music for the occasion. Meanwhile, for those who prefer other options, an area will be set up on Avenida de Los Presidentes and Avenida Malecón for groups such as David Blanco, Buena Fe and Karamba, said Sabas.

In the same way, there will be a children's carnival dedicated to the outstanding creator of children's programs Ivette Vian.