Bright carnival will begin in Havana on August 9

Very soon, from 9 to 18 August, the capital of Cuba will host a grand event - Carnaval de la Havana. During the carnival on the embankment every evening after 9 hours will be arranged costume processions and dance performances. This year several ballet companies and 15 folklore groups take part in the festival.

In addition, among all the festive events there will be another one that has a long history - the "Baptism of Lanterns". The essence of this event is that each lantern on the way is sung a song, and then the lantern is poured with beer. When can you do this without paying a fine?

The history of the carnival dates back more than 100 years, the first such celebration was officially held in 1902 and has remained unchanged since then. But the roots of Carnival in Havana go even deeper – in the 18th century, Spanish aristocrats toured the central square in ornate carriages, and slaves, trying to join the holiday, sang and danced.