The Organizing Committee of the International Ballet Festival of Havana has announced the cancellation of the 27th edition of the festival, one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious dance events, due to the epidemiological situation caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, the travel restrictions and the physical distancing and other movement restriction rules in place in Cuba and in most countries around the world to stop the spread of the deadly disease.

Held every two years, the Festival has allowed Cuban audiences to enjoy the performances and works in Havana of prestigious figures from the world of classical dance. It also serves to show to foreign visitors the high level reached by the Cuban ballet.

Every two years, the Festival features over 20 performances and a few world premiers.

Created in 1960, it quickly became one of the most transcendental events of Cuban national culture, and of the international dance world as well.

Ballet Nacional de Cuba issued a statement in which it announced that celebrations on the 100th birthday anniversary of Cuban legendary dancer, the late Alicia Alonso, originally scheduled in the framework of the ballet festival, has been postponed for late this year, closer to Alicia’s actual date of birth, which is November 21.

The 27th edition of the International Ballet Festival of Havana will be held in 2022.