[Click the photos for a larger image. Click the links for more information.]
Callejon de Hamel
The colorful Callejon de Hamel, showplace of world renowned afro-cuban artist Salvador Gonzales Escalona, is not to be missed. He describes his work as a mix of cubism, surrealism and abstract art. The artist was not in while we were there but an associate gave an interesting talk on the Santaria religion and a talented group of dancers told the stories of some of the orishas (the spiritual manifestations of the deities of the Yoruba religion).
Some of the Artwork
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Santaria and the Orishas
Our guide in the alley gave a good overview of the Santaria religion with its deities, the orishas, who govern all aspects of life.
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The dancers portrayed some of the main orishas.
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Martin Luther King Center
Joel Suarez, the general coordinator of Cuba's Martin Luther King Center, explained to us the center's three founding pillars: The Cuban Ecumenical movement, Popular Education, and international solidarity. Learn more in this 2007 article in "Yes" magazine.
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Osmin, our guide, helps translate for Joel Suarez, general coordinator of the center.
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A larger than life portrait of Dr. King on the center's campus.
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Centro de Promocion de la Danza de Cuba
Although we both enjoyed watching the rehearsal, this is the only photo we have from this event.
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The Centro de Promocion de la Danza (PRO Danza) of Cuba under the direction of Laura Alonso was founded in 1988 and is an offshoot of the specialized teaching department of the Ballet Nacional de Cuba. Its mission is to promote the Cuban school of ballet technique. Read more at USA Cuba Travel.
We were privileged to see a rehearsal in progress.
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Lunch at Aljibe Restaurant
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"Fusterlandia"
After lunch we entered another dimension in the form of Fusterlandia, a part of the city transformed by the mosaic art of José Fuster. What began in a small way at his own home studio soon spread to his neighbors as well. Fuster is known as the Picasso of the Caribbean.
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A Couple of Stops
After leaving Fusterlandia, we made brief stops at the National Plaza and the Hotel Nacional.
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Along the way we passed this statue.
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And the Malecon, the seawall that stretches about five miles along Havana Harbor.
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The Hotel Nacional is one of the finest in Havana. The grounds are lovely.
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The last stop of the day was at the Booksellers and Artisans Market. We were so busy inspecting the booths that we neglected to take any pictures.
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