PROJECTO MURALEANDO From music to mosaics, the arts seem to be everywhere in Cuba… and your People-to-People activities include a close-up look at the transformative effects of art on Cuban life. At Projecto Muraleando – a Havana barrio community art project featuring murals and sculptures crafted from found items – you’ll discuss the history and impact of this unique example of community art with its artists, residents and community leaders whose neighborhoods benefit from the cooperative spirit it creates.
6. SUGAR CANE HISTORY IN THE COUNTRYSIDE An excursion into the countryside today leads to a look at the process of extracting sugar from sugar cane, a mainstay of Cuba’s economy for centuries. Of more than 50 sugar mills in this region, only a few are still in operation. At the Museo de Agroindustria Azucarero Marcelo Salado (Sugar Mill Museum), interpreting the history of Cuban sugar production including the use of slave labor, view exhibits featuring original machinery and steam locomotives, and talk to museum staff. After a traditional Cuban lunch served family style – and a coconut tree-climbing demonstration – return to the hotel for some free time. Just before sunset, head to the hotel’s waterfront bar for a champagne toast, followed by dinner at the hotel. Meals BLD
7. THE GUAYABERA IN SANCTI SPIRITUS Travel across the center of Cuba today from the northern coast to the city of Camagüey. En route, stop in the little town of Sancti Spiritus to learn about the history and manufacture of the traditional white, four-pocketed Cuban shirt, the guayabera, at the Guayabera Museum, housed in a historic riverside villa. Meet the curator for a discussion of the origins and production of this iconic Cuban garment (known in other parts of Latin America as the habanera), which some claim was created here in Sancti Spiritus in the early 18th century. Typically worn only in the countryside for centuries, it first appeared in Havana in the 1940s, and its popularity spread throughout the country and the rest of Latin America. At lunch at a paladar, discuss the challenges of turning a private home into a restaurant. Arrive at your hotel in Camagüey early evening. Meals BLD
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8. CAMAGÜEY’S ARTISANS & THEIR WORK Today, you’ll meet artisans and artists in Camagüey, affectionately dubbed “the Maze” or “the City of Squares” for its labyrinthine historic center of twisting lanes and squares that once confounded pirates and invaders. Visit the studio of leather sculptor José “Pepe” Guiterrez for a demonstration and discussion of his work: creating unique masks, busts and animal sculptures from goat hide. As he works, Pepe explains the process of soaking, shaping and sculpting the leather into pieces largely inspired by Afro-Cuban culture and symbolism drawn from African mythology. Next, watch as local women combine their efforts to make handmade dolls at Projecto Carsueño. Then attend a dance performance and cultural exchange with a local dance company, followed by lunch at a nearby paladar. Return to the hotel for the afternoon; have dinner at a paladar on Plaza San Juan Dios this evening. Meals BLD
9. CUBAN ARTS EDUCATION IN CAMAGÜEY In Camagüey today, meet the talented students of the Vicentina de la Torre Art School, along with their teachers and principal; discuss their work, arts education and daily routines. Visit the Endedans Modern Dance Company and school for an enchanting private performance by its highly talented students, including contemporary, ballet, hip-hop and other dance styles; interact with the young dancers to learn about their backgrounds, dreams and goals. Travel by coach or by bici-taxi (pedicab) to lunch at a new paladar. See those big, red clay pots in front of or on the porches of homes throughout the city? They’re tinajónes, the traditional symbol of Camagüey – and at the Casanova Pottery Studio, the Casanova family will show you traditional methods of creating these iconic vessels, and discuss their history and use. Return to the hotel, then attend a special evening at the Larios Studio, where you’ll see a renowned local painter and sculptor at work, and interact with other artists who have workshops on the premises. Meals BLD
You might even try your hand at the kickwheel at the Casanova Pottery Studio
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