On Sunday May 5, the Promenade Gardens, Middle Street, Georgetown, will be the venue for a Cuban and Latin American cultural festival that will kick off at 2 pm, as part of the efforts of the tourism sector to promote event tourism
The festival, titled “Fiesta Cubana” will be hosted by Global Tours and Travel in collaboration with the Embassy of the Republic of Cuba in Guyana and is being sponsored by the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company Limited, Sky High Dominicana Airlines, Mobile Money Guyana and Massy Distribution Guyana Inc, a Global Tours and Travel release stated.
The festival is the first of its kind to be held in Guyana, and the intention is for it to become an annual one. Cubans, Vene-zuelans, Brazilians, other Latin Americans and expatriates living in Guyana along with of course the Guyanese public at large, are being asked to get ready to immerse themselves and to experience the vibrant world of Latin America at Fiesta Cubana, the release said.
According to the release, Director for Caribbean Leisure Travel at Global Tours and Travel Pedro Pablo Martinez Azcuy remarked that at Fiesta Cubana, attendees will experience the best and most authentic Latin flavours guaranteed to awaken their taste buds. Dishes such as: Ropa Vieja (Cuban shredded beef), Pabellón Criollo (traditional bean and rice dish from Venezuela), Arroz y Frijoles Negros (Rice and Black Beans), Cachitos (stuffed crescent rolls), Arroz Moros y Cristianos (Cuban black beans and rice), Arepas, Lechon Asado (roast pork), Mandoca (Venezuelan deep fried cornmeal ring), Yuca con Mojo (cassava in a sauce), Pasticho Cubano (Cuban lasagna), Dulce de Leche (milk jam), Pan con Lechón (Cuban roast pork sandwich), Quesillo (Venezuelan flan), Arroz con Huevo Frito (Rice and Fried Eggs), Pepito (meat sandwich), Picadillo a la Habanera (Cuban ground beef), Cachapas (savory-sweet corn pancakes), Masas de Cerdo Frita (Fried Pork Chunks), Tequeños (fried breaded cheese stick), Tamal Cubano (Cuban Tamales), Carne Mechada, Vaca Frita (Cuban shredded fried beef), and Plátano Maduro Frito (fried ripe plantains) will be available, the release said.
It added that Azcuy also pointed out that at the Havana Bar, Cuban mixologists will offer famous Cuban cocktails such as the Cuba Libre, Classic Cuban Mojito, El Presidente, El Floridita Daiquirí, Hotel Nacional, Old Cuban, Saoco, Cuban Breeze, Cojito and the Classic Piña Colada along with other popular drinks such as the Caipirinha, Horchata Margarita and the Cantarito and of course a wide range of non-alcoholic beverages including classic coffee from the Dominican Republic.
The top Latin DJs will be in attendance “to make your heart vibrate and your hips move”, the release said, with all genres of Latino music from the most popular hits to timeless classics, including Latin Pop, Reggaeton, Salsa, Bachata, Tango, and Bossa Nova. Whether seasoned salsa pro or beginner, the release touted this dance party as the perfect opportunity to connect, learn, and “let loose” on the huge dance floor.
It is a family-friendly event and beginning early in the afternoon there will be a friendly Cuban Dominoes tournament in the games area. There will also be Karaoke Latino, a kids’ zone and a selfie station. Vendors will be selling an array of items, from arts and crafts, to souvenir products, and special cigars, the release said.
Tickets cost $1,000 and can be purchased from the Providence, Ruimveldt, Vreed-en-Hoop, Montrose and Movietowne Massey Supermarkets, Sky High Airlines Office, and Angie’s Beauty Salon and Spa at 58 David Street in Kitty, the release said.
It added that Azcuy noted that Latin people are known for spending a lot of time outside socializing, enjoying their beautiful weather, great music, and laidback way of life, hence the decision to hold this event in the picturesque Promenade Gardens.
In light of the innovative strategies that are being undertaken to develop tourism in Guyana especially in the context of sustainable tourism development, the local organising committee of Fiesta Cubana sees the relevance of hosting such festivals towards achieving this goal and intend to play their part in catapulting Guyana to the forefront of fun, relaxation, and enjoyment as a tourism destination, the release said.
It explained that festival tourism is a niche segment of the travel industry that involves travelling to various destinations to experience cultural, musical, religious, or other types of festivals. This form of tourism has gained popularity in recent years as more travellers seek unique and authentic experiences that go beyond traditional sightseeing.
Fiesta Cubana is therefore part of this thrust and is a celebration of the cultural heritage of Cuba and Latin America in Guyana through their music, dance, food and crafts. It will give attendees the opportunity to immerse themselves fully in this culture, in their traditions, and in their customs, the release added.
