Listen as you read:

In Cuba, music and dance serve as the heart and soul of the island. No matter where you step foot, you will always hear the mixed sounds of Spanish melodies and lyrics, and African beats. Bands join together in the streets, beside the water, and in restaurants; all to keep the palpable rhythm alive across the country.

In other parts of the world, such as the US, busking is a common form of street music; it isn’t too uncommon to see buskers in the downtown or the central district of a city, ready to grab a few coins in exchange for their music. People stand to listen, but rarely do people dance. Typically, if you’re at a restaurant, live music is saved for the weekends, or special events, and because of the incredibly diverse population, chances are you won’t hear the same kinds of music in a single night. Live music isn’t everywhere you go.  In Cuba, the music culture is a bit different.

Most of the popular Cuban music incorporates a lot of African rhythms and beats, and most is accompanied by dance. From romantic and soft, to passionate, gloomy, or energetic, salsa’s sundry rhythms can be adapted to many different moods. Between the sounds of the music are also subliminal messages, common in traditional Caribbean and Hispanic/LatinX music. Unlike in many communities around the world, in Cuba, live music and dancing can be found at any time and at any place you go, with no night specially reserved for a “live” show.

When traveling to Cuba, you will notice that music on the streets is important beyond fame and money; it really is about the sounds and the joy it brings to people. Although the constant music may surprise some, it is best to just enjoy it! Wherever you go in Cuba, you will have the opportunity to let loose without fear of people watching you, simply because it’s what you’re supposed to do. So have some fun, and most importantly:

Live, laugh, and dance!