The drum and dance extravaganza ran until March 12. The gathering celebrated the influence of ‘tambores’ (drums) in different expressions of the island’s nationality and includes the traditional percussion and dance competitions. The gala directed by National Dance Award Laureate, dancer and choreographer Santiago Alfonso, consisted of a performance, featuring some of the most important Cuban dance companies, showcasing their professionalism on stage.

Dance ensembles, such as Salsa Mambo y Chachacha, Malpaso, JJ, Raíces Profundas and Santiago Alfonso were on hand with the special performance of young Cuban singer, Luna Manzanares, the mythical band Síntesis and three of the couples competing at the Cuban TV show Bailando en Cuba (Dancing in Cuba).

Cuban artist Salvador González, director of Callejón de Hammel, a socio-cultural Project located in Central Havana’s Mammel Alley, is involved in the organization of the Drum Festival which is also paying tribute to important Cuban drummers, such as Papo Angarica, a top percussionist and rumba player in the country.

La Fiesta del Tambor or Drum Festival’s agenda included the Cuba and Drums and Women and Drums in Cuba shows at Mella Theater, the gathering’s main venue. The Rumba Women Project and the legendary drum band Los Papines also performed; Havana’s National Theater was the venue of the percussion and master classes by US battery players, Craig Haynes and Nanny Assis.