What is it?
Fiesta del Fuego, the festival of fire, is a traditional celebration which takes place in Cuda in the first week of July. It is a 3 day festival which includes dancing, exhibitions, night parties, and Cuban music. 

What to expect?
The festivities start early in the morning and continue till late evening, sometimes even overnight. It attracts visitors from all over the world like Australia, Hungary, Israel, and many other places. The festival starts with a cultural gala at the Heredia Theatre on the first day. The second day is reserved for dancing, parting and paying tribute. However, the main event is always the Fire Parade on the final evening of the festivities to pay tribute to Cuban beliefs and religion. The parade starts with a cultural ritual for the supreme god in the religion. After this the parade begins with drums, dancing, and Cubans dressed in traditional costumes. There are food stalls and games as well. Everybody is welcome to join in and enjoy. Street parades happen everywhere in the city and around Latin America, in 18 countries. 

History?
The festival was first started in 1980 by Joel James Figarola. The festival was created to honor Cubas diversity and African and Caribbean heritage. The Festival blends African and Caribbean heritage by mixing both styles together. For example, the dance, clothes, and tributes are all a combination of both cultures to represent Cuba’s diversity. The festival is of great importance and is celebrated each year despite any struggles. During Covid – 19 there was a virtual version of the festival for those who wanted to participate. 

The Importance:
The festival is of great importance and is celebrated each year despite any struggles. During Covid – 19 there was a virtual version of the festival for those who wanted to participate. Every year hundreds of organizations come together to organize the festivities and prada, costing them thousands of dollars, but to them it is all well worth it because it creates a sense of unity in Cubas beautiful and diverse populations.

Work Cited

Kaloyanova, Rufina. “Cuba’s Fiesta Del Fuego (the Fire Festival).” Love Cuba Blog, 16 Dec. 2022, www.lovecuba.com/blog/cubas-fiesta-del-fuego-the-fire-festival/.

“The Caribbean That Unites Us – the Fiesta Del Fuego Sets Santiago de Cuba Alight.” Cuba 50, 8 July 2022, cuba50.org/2022/07/08/the-caribbean-that-unites-us-the-fiesta-del-fuego-sets-santiago-de-cuba-alight/.

“The Fire Festival in Santiago de Cuba – Fiesta Del Fuego.” Www.cubagrouptour.com, www.cubagrouptour.com/us/information/events-in-cuba/fiesta-del-fuego.