Fiery fun in Cuba

Cuba is this year hosting the 26th Fiesta del Fuego – the Fire Festival – which will celebrate the African heritage of the countries of the Caribbean.

Held annually in the city of Santiago, the already vibrant country bursts into an explosion of colour, dancing and street parties between July 3rd and July 9th.

Cubans, tourists, singers and dancers will all descend on the city for a six day party, as well as workshops and forums.

Visitors can discuss and learn about African history, traditions, dances and culture, and try their hand at some dancing as well, before relaxing with a Cuban staple, a rum and lime.

The festival takes place at more than 40 venues around Santiago, including exhibitions displaying African art.

The wheels are set in motion by street parades, featuring both amateur and professional dancers, and the festival is closed with another, jubilant street party.

In addition to the African theme of the festival, traditional Cuba is also celebrated, as are the island's Chinese influences with dragon dances and much ribbon-twirling.

The Fiesta del Fuego is great fun for grown-ups, with its plentiful supply of alcohol and late-night, good-natured parties, but children will also have a ball.

Attractions for the kids of course include the colourful street parades and street floats, but there are also miniature trains and small goat-drawn carts, which children can ride in.

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