CHOIR OF BAYAMO

Visit the historic city of Bayamo, famous for its weekly street party and the Coral de Bayamo – one of Cuba’s most important choirs.

The Cathedral of Bayamo - Catedral del Saltisimo Salvador de Bayomo. Built in 1516, it is one of the oldest church in Cuba. 

We’ll meet with performers from one of Cuba’s most prestigious choirs, the Coral de Bayamo. Since 1962, this 32-member ensemble has played a role in holidays, ceremonies, and traditions across the country under the direction of famous Cuban musicians such as Andrés Ariaza, Mercedes Cedeño, and Maricel Ávila Labrada. 

Overview of Bayamo

Despite being Cuba’s second oldest city, much of Bayamo’s colonial architecture was lost in a Carribean equivalent to the Boston Tea Party. During the Cuban War for Independence, freedom fighters set fire to their own city rather than see it fall into Spanish hands. Bayamo’s horse carts, however, still harken back to the past. Nearly forty-percent of the city’s population travel by hoof, which has made Bayamo a world leader in sustainable city transportation.

One of Bayamo’s most beloved attractions is the Fiesta de la Cubanía, a weekly street party. As with most Cuban festivals, you can count on dancing, music, and a pig roast. But a Bayamo fiesta isn’t complete without chessboards – full sets sit on makeshift tables lining the street, inviting partygoers to test their skill against local players. 

This experience is available on our Undiscovered Cuba and Weekend in Havana tours or can be integrated into a custom-made itinerary.