As you know, Cuba is the cradle of tropical music. Music is the most salient feature of Cuba’s culture. Cuban music is a mixture of African percussion and Spanish guitar. Dancing is an important part of Cuban music. So, if you love to dance and enjoy Latin music, Cuba is the perfect place for you to live.

Salsa is the best known and most popular type of Cuban music. Mambo and cha-cha-cha are older forms of Cuban music that have become popular throughout the world. No discussion of Cuban music would be complete without mentioning the most famous song to come out of Cuba—Guantanamera. Many international singers have popularized this song. Son is the local equivalent of country music. Celia Cruz, Xavier Cugart, Gloria Estefan, Pérez Prado and Desi Arnaz are just a few of the excellent singers and musicians Cuba has produced over the years.

Recently, jazz has become very popular. Cuba has produced a string of fine international jazz musicians. They are admired all over the world for their virtuosity and creativity. Sadly, most of Cuba’s better jazz musicians have left the country.

You don’t have to go far to hear live music. Musicians play every type of music all over the country, from clubs to concerts and even on street corners—music pervades the air. There are dozens of clubs which feature dancers and musicians playing salsa and congo rhythms.