The parades for Carnival in Cuba are an art form in themselves

They are a mixture of music, dance, costumes, and social pride. Unlike the carnivals in other parts of the world that are held just before Lent, Carnival in Santiago de Cuba is celebrated in July during the Festival of St. Iago, patron Saint of the city. It is also a national event because in July 1955, Fidel Castro was able to enter the city of Santiago de Cuba, under the cover of the Carnival, and start the Cuban Revolution. For Cubans, July 26 is their independence day. Designs for the parades are based on patriotism and are built with inexpensive materials, unlike carnivals in New Orleans and Rio de Janeiro, which are commercial and expensive undertakings. Because of the intense heat of the sun, these parades start at ten o’clock at night and last until three in the morning, with the parades lasting for a full week.

If you are not a beach person and want to visit Cuba purely for the culture and history then this is the ideal itinerary for you: Commencing in Havana, tour through the history in Santa Clara, the cobbled stone streets of Trinidad, interesting sites in Cienfuegos and then back to the colonial architecture and vibrant nightlife in Havana.

Price: £1,034 per person for 11 nights

www.quest2cuba.co.uk