Customs and traditions:
Party People

It is commonly known that Cubans dance to everything and dance for any reason. That passion has been witnessed even by passing travelers and dates back to colonial times.

People used to dance in bailes de cuna or "cradle balls", the exclusive ballrooms of the wealthy social classes, as well as at the arroz con frijoles "rice and beans" balls, where blacks and whites mixed. Later, in the 20th Century, people danced in more modest clubs in cities and towns, in cabarets and other favourable spots.

Cuban dancers and musicians have long had a mutual feedback, especially in the giras "tours". Those were dance parties held in halls open to the public, where the most famous and popular ensembles performed their new songs before a very demanding and creative audience. This is how new trends of Cuban popular music started and, in many cases, the way people danced inspired musicians to create in a continuous feedback ...