The Piña Colada Festival: A Celebration of Music and Joy in Central Cuba

The 21st edition of the Piña Colada Festival is set to bring music and celebration to various locations throughout Ciego de Ávila province from April 3 to April 7. The festival will showcase a rich and diverse cultural program featuring renowned national music stars, local artists, and international guests.

Cultural Significance and Celebrations

The festival, a staple in Cuban culture, not only promotes music but also commemorates significant anniversaries such as those of the Unión de Jóvenes Comunistas (UJC) and the Organización de Pioneros José Martí (OPJM). This year adds a special milestone with the 60th anniversary of EGREM, Cuba's leading record label. The festivities will include a tribute to prominent musicians from Ciego de Ávila, Nelson Oney and Eliseo Simón, as well as Pablo Menéndez, a Cuban-American, with his group Mezcla.

In addition to this, the Piña Colada Festival is also marking 25 years of Corávila with a Choral Meeting that brings together vocal groups from Havana, Camagüey, and Santiago de Cuba.

Events and Engagements throughout the Festival

The Festival kicks off with a traditional parade, this year celebrating the 20th anniversary of the José Martí Brigade. A grand display of culture, it features young art instructors and members of the amateur artist movement. Major concerts will light up the early April nights in the main city of Ciego de Ávila and in the municipality of Morón, which proudly hosts the event's exciting musical festivities once more. However, the festival experience isn't confined to large stages and extends into communities, schools, workplaces, and other places of social and productive interest.

The eighth edition of the 'Music and Youth' Symposium is included in the festival, complete with conferences, workshops, and presentations that foster the talent of young creators from Ciego de Ávila, Cuba, and beyond. The Asociación Hermanos Saíz partners with educational institutions to offer these enriching activities.

A new feature of this year’s festival is the introduction of the Musicávila Award for Creation and Interpretation, in partnership with the agency responsible for representing the finest musical talents of the region.

For the 21st Piña Colada Festival, the attendance of special guests from Panama, the Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico has been confirmed, adding an international flavor to the rich cultural exchange.

festival, music, culture