Every October, Cuban Culture Day celebrates our nation's identity and creative spirit. In the United Kingdom, this commemoration is brought to life by an extraordinary community of Cuban artists who have made these islands their home. Their art embodies the intangible essence of being Cuban, known as cubanía, building a direct bridge between our two peoples and fostering understanding through the universal language of art.
The celebration originated on 20 October 1868. Ten days after the start of the War of Independence, Cuban forces captured the city of Bayamo. Amidst the revolt and fervour, the people sang La Bayamesa for the first time — a battle hymn composed by the patriot Perucho Figueredo. This fusion of art and revolution gave rise to Cuban Culture Day, a date that honours culture as a pillar of national identity and sovereignty.
Cuban culture has a presence in the United Kingdom thanks to a vibrant community of exceptionally talented artists. Cuban dance excellence is represented by Carlos Acosta, Director of the Birmingham Royal Ballet, and Javier Torres, Director General of the Acosta Dance Foundation, a company celebrating its tenth anniversary this October.
In the United Kingdom, there are many talented Cuban artists and professionals who embody the rich traditions and contemporary expressions that form the vibrant tapestry of Cuban culture. One example of this is the musical virtuosity of Cuban musicians, as demonstrated by renowned violinist Omar Puente, who is acclaimed for fusing classical music with Cuban rhythms. Other exponents such as guitarist Ahmed Dickinson Cárdenas, one of the most prominent exponents of classical Cuban guitar; pianist and conductor Eliane Correa, a central figure on the London Latin jazz scene; and concert pianist Eralys Fernández, who transmits the classical tradition through her performances and her academy, are just a few examples of this rich sound.
The rhythmic heart of Cuba beats strongly in the UK thanks to top-level singers and musicians such as Indira Román, Benny Luis, Adriana Lord, Jesús Cutiño and Sergio Marciano. The powerful rhythm and brass section that drives the Latin scene comprises renowned musicians such as Rey Crespo (bass), Oreste Noda (percussion), Hammadi Valdés (percussion, Latin Grammy winner), Eikel Venegas (trumpet), Frank Portuondo (bass), and Yuri Moreno (percussion).
These are just some of the artists who will be performing at the October 2025 event, which is designed to appeal to a diverse audience with an appreciation of Cuban culture. Examples include exponents of our traditions in performances such as Carlos Acosta's Nutcracker in Havana, a reinvention of the Christmas classic with Cuban flavour and energy, performed by his company Acosta Danza at the Aylesbury Waterside Theatre on 31 October and 1 November. From 9 to 14 October, the Afro-Caribbean Ase-Ilé – Latin Laboratory will celebrate our traditions through dance, music and storytelling, paying tribute to Afro-Cuban, Caribbean and Latin roots in the context of 10 October, Cuba's National Independence Day.
Cuban Culture Day in the United Kingdom is an expression of a living heritage — a legacy that honours our roots and enriches the British cultural landscape.