In the beginning of the 1990s several new buildings were built in Santiago, starting with the new theater Teatro José María Heredia, new hotel Meliá Santiago de Cuba, new modern train station in the northwestern part of the town, the Antonio Maceo Monument and the modern terminal building at the Antonio Maceo International Airport. Most of the city's attractions are concentrated on the way between Parque Céspedes, Plaza de Dolores and Plaza de Marte, following the most important shopping street in Santiago de Cuba, Calle José A Saco. Calle José A Saco becomes a street fair and pedestrian shopping center on Saturday night. Some very interesting sights are located in the old residential neighborhoods north and south of this street. This area is also called the casco histórico (historical center). Most of the monuments built in honor of the revolution are placed along the Av de los Libertadores. Most of the accommodation facilities such as the big tourist hotels are located in Vista Alegre, about 3,5 kilometers from the train station, 1,5 kilometers from the Intermunicipal Bus Station and 2 kilometers far from the National Bus Station. It's also some 7 kilometers far from the Antonio Maceo International Airport. City is quite spread out and best way to travel around is to use the public transport.

Calendar of events

The crowded streets of Santiago de Cuba. Photo by Sami Keinanen.

Most important season considering events in Santiago de Cuba is summer. It starts with the Fiesta de San Juan on 24th June when huge processions are organized, together with conga dances performed by cultural associations (focos culturales). Boleros de Oro festival takes place from the middle till the end of June. Festival del Caribe (Festival of Caribbean Culture) and Fiesta del Fuego (Fire Festival) is also held in July, with music performances, exhibitions, singing and dancing in the streets. Performers come from all over the Caribbean. Carnaval of Santiago de Cuba takes place in the last week of July and is regarded as the most exciting carnival in Cuba. During the carnival time open-air grandstands are erected in Av Garzón. Late November is a period when the International Chorus Festival is held, while Festival Internacional de Trova takes place in the middle of March.

Climate and weather

The hot and humid Santiago de Cuba. Photo by Alex Barth.

Local climate of Santiago de Cuba is hot and humid throughout the year. The year can be divided into rainy period from May to October and dry period from November to April. It's best to visit Santiago in the dry period. Temperatures are highest in June, July and August (between 27° and 30°C) and the lowest in January and February (between 24° and 27°C). Average temperature throughout the year is 26°C. The highest recorded temperature was 43°C and the lowest 12°C. Average precipitation is 1135 mm of rainfall. Average humidity is 86% in the morning and 73% in the afternoon. Try to avoid the hurricane season from September to October.