The Fiesta del Fuego en Santiago de Cuba is a burst of music, color and joy, with fire rituals and electronic music played by the best DJs. Santiago is known to be the party capital of Cuba, especially during the summer. Fiesta del Fuego is held yearly in early July. It includes a series of performances, exhibitions, and street celebrations with the focus on the Caribbean culture. Visitors can join the street parades and traditional congas. The streets are filled with music and dance rhythms.
The Snake Parade (El Desfile de la Serpiente)
Each year, the festival is kicked off with a magnificent opening parade, featuring participating delegations from different Caribbean countries and various conga groups, like Los Ripiaos, Paso Franco, Monte Oscuro, Íreme, La Caridad, Pilón del Cauto, Los Hombres Carrozas, and Barrancas. Every delegation presents its country with music and dancing. The parade marches around Aguilera Street, beginning at Plaza de Martes and ending at Cespedes Park. The park becomes the epicenter of carnival fun, music, and dancing.
Fire Parade (Burning of the Devil)
The culmination of the Fiesta del Fuego is the Fire Parade on the final evening. It pays tribute to traditional Cuban culture and beliefs. The parade starts with a ritual salute to Nzambi Congo, a supreme god in the Palo Monte religion, and is completed with the burning of the giant Devil statue. The burning is accompanied by hundreds of drums. Thousands of people gather on Alameda Michaelson to witness the amazing finale of Festival del Caribe. Burning the flammable effigy of the Devil symbolizes the victory of good over evil. The festival ends with a massive street party all over the town.
History of the Fire Festival
Fiesta del Fuego was held for the first time in 1981. It was initiated by the intellectual Joel James Figarola, the founder of the Casa del Caribe, an organization promoting the Caribbean traditions, culture and the environment. Every edition of the festival is dedicated to a different country or a group of countries. The festival celebrates African roots, traditional elements of the Caribbean culture, and religious practices. A vibrant mixture of cultures and nations is a symbol of Santiago de Cuba.
