Cuba Through Its Religions

HAVANA / 5AYS and 4NIGHTS
Religion is one of the most complex aspects of Cuban culture. Join us to this Bespoke Trip to understand and get closer to the Cuban religious panorama, where dozens of different religions get in touch, sometimes combining themselves, which creates that popular and exotic syncretism Cuba is famous for.

HAVANA - 4nights

Day 1: Welcome to Havana! After clearing immigrations and customs, our airport representative lead you to your driver who will transfer you to a private house in the heart of the historic center. *Light lunch and meet and greet with your concierge. *Get your feet wet with an afternoon orientation walk. Interchange with our expert guide in religions of Cuba to learn about the existing religions in Cuba, the most practiced ones and the history of colonization and introduction of African slaves and spiritual practices in the island. During the speech enjoy drinks and tapas at this new tapas bar in a bustling Old Town street.

Day 2: Catholicism and Religious Syncretism in Cuba Meet with our local expert guide who will allow you to understand the way in which Christian, Afro Cuban and other saints live together, peacefully, in the same country, in the same cities, in the same houses. The tour includes visits to the Museo de Regla, the Santuario (Sanctuary) de Nuestra Señora de Regla to see the Black Madonna, Iglesia (Church) de Nuestra Señora de la Merced, Iglesia Ortodoxa Griega (Greek Orthodox Church), and Museo de Arte Religioso, placed in the inside of the Basílica Menor del Convento de San Francisco de Asís. Light lunch in a local paladar before cotinue our route visiting some of the most important Catholic Churches in Havana. Ending the tour at the Oratorio San Felipe Neri, its dates from 1693 and was converted into a bank in the 1920s but has recently been lovingly restored and now serves as a classical music venue (mainly lyric and opera). The church also houses a small collection of religious painting.

Day 3: Afro-Cuban Religion Start your day crossing Havana's harbour to tour the fascinating Guanabacoa museum with its outstanding exhibits on Afro-Cuban religions. Principal Afro-Cuban religion, Santería, has a pantheon of saints syncretised with the saints of Roman Catholicism. Meet ethnologist and Santería expert, who will introduce you to the intricacies of the religion and their noticible influence in everyday's life in Havana and throughout the island, present in the music, dances, festivities, funerals and any kind of avent one can think of, for more on this historical and cultural subject, our expert will provide you with a vast explanation in order to help you have a better undrestanding of the cuban identity. Then visit Museo de los Orishas, in a rather poor and dilapidated district, this museum dedicated to the Afro-Cuban religion. Light lunch and then you will be part of a Cuban Rumba Party starting in the yard of a typical multi-family building in Habana Vieja. Neighbours and families join in when celebrating a special date or event, from a common birthday to a Saint's Feast Day. A kind of initiation ceremony is held known as Wemilere, Bembe or Guiro. Meanwhile, you will interact during the drumming feast and try some steps. Being a participant of this activity, you will have the opportunity to meet humble Cuban men and women, who share with you what they have and invite you into their homes to learn about their culture and traditions and the Cuban way of life. Relaxing late-afternoon and cuban cafe or cocktail at the rooftop of a nice restaurant overlooking the Malecon enjoying the spectacular sea and city views of Havana while sunset is taking place.

Day 4: Jewish Community in Cuba After breakfast you will visit to one of Havana's main synagogues accompanied by a member of the Jewish community of Havana who can explain the history of the community in Cuba. This visits enables you to see how this small but thriving community lives here in Cuba. After lunch visit the Holocaust Museum and Hotel Raquel where you will meet and exchange with members of the Jewish community of Havana who can explain the history of the community in Cuba and their presence in the island.

Day 5: After breakfast, bid farewell to Cuba and transfer to Havana airport for board your departure flight.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Many of the places we visit are not tourist destinations and are thus not always available. Therefore, this program should be considered as a sample only – please keep in mind that your bespoke travel plan is designed with our staff according to the specific interests that you would want to highlight in your trip. Final itineraries and quotes are sent 24hrs after we receive your request to our contact email: enquiries@bespoketriptocuba.com

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