May Day in Havana
Havana, Cuba
From EUR 72.65
Office phone number: +53 5338 7373
May Day in Havana
Havana, Cuba
Culture shock rating
Worried we’re going to shock your senses? Relax! We believe part of the fun of travel is immersing yourself in the destination and its culture, meeting the people, and learning what makes the place tick. We’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The cultural shock rating ranks how different the experience is from most Western cultures. But no matter the level, don’t worry, you’ll have a local, in-the-know guide with you every step of the way.
Low
Consider these tours your 101 intro to a place. Transportation might be private or a very comfortable public option, and the activities are usually visits to iconic sites and locations that are familiar to most Western cultures – but that will still give you fantastic insight into a destination.
Medium
Expect to rough it for parts of this tour, whether that’s on a packed public bus or in a local market off the tourist trail. There might be a few language barriers or unfamiliar cultural customs, and you’ll get an experience different from what you're used to at home.
High
You're out there in the global community! We’re going to take you down streets you’d rarely explore on your own, introduce you to local customs and languages, and take you for a ride in whatever transport is available. Get ready to take it as it comes, whatever comes. There might be a shock, but oh man, it’s worth it.
Physical rating
Worried our tours are too tough? Relax! From leisurely strolls to muscle-burning treks, we’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The physical grading gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the tour.
Low
Slow and steady is all you need here. These tours have very limited physical activity, such as walking relatively flat streets, sites, or markets, and climbing in and out of the transport provided.
Medium
Not too hard, not too soft, these tours are just right! You can expect a bit of physical activity, but nothing overly challenging – perhaps walking up and down hills, riding a bike for up to 30 kilometers along mostly flat terrain, or jumping in a kayak for a gentle paddle on flat water.
High
Get ready for a workout! These tours are our most challenging and involve intense walking, hiking, kayaking, swimming, or bike riding. You could be making steep climbs by foot or pedal, or working your core in the water. We recommend you have a good level of fitness to join this tour.
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Tour snapshot
Join us for an epic morning in Havana celebrating among locals. This one-day-only tour gives you the opportunity to join the annual May Day parade, celebrated throughout Cuba, but nowhere as passionately as in Havana. Learn about the importance of May 1, see the parade up close, and end the morning with a traditional meal with new friends.
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Highlights
- Join the exciting and vibrant May Day parade as it winds its way along the streets of Havana
- Meet all sorts of local Cubans on one of their most important days of the year
- See some special cultural and musical events
- Quench your thirst with a local beverage
- Enjoy a local meal at one of our favourite Old Havana spots
Local Impact: How you will help the local community by joining this tour:
- This tour promotes local traditions. It is a day where people go into the streets as groups and display how important their sense of community and unity is to them as a nation where every individual relies on each other to survive.
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Schedule details
- Duration: 4 hours
- Meeting point:
For travellers staying in Old Havana: La Gargola Guesthouse, 82 Cuba St Old Havana. View on Google Maps
For travellers staying in Vedado/Miramar: Focsa Building, Calle 17, Vedado, Havana. View on Google Maps
- Starting time: 7.00 AM
- Ending point:
A Cafe in Old Havana (the guide can direct you on how to get back to your accommodation)
Language: English
Inclusions: Local English-speaking guide, 1 drink (traditional lemonade, cocktail, beer or soft drink), brunch meal (choose from a local menu of Cuban sandwich, Cuban pizza, eggs, rice and beans, etc.), water (please bring your own bottle), transport to and from march, and a small souvenir.
Exclusions: Additional food and drinks, souvenirs and personal shopping, tips/gratuities for your guide.
May Day (1st of May) is celebrated throughout Cuba with workers marching with their colleagues in central areas of every city and town in the country. In Havana, more than a million people walk to Revolution Square during the parade – and this is your chance to experience the annual event for yourself.
On this one-day-only tour, we’ll join local Cubans and many other people who come to Cuba especially for this exciting day of celebration. You’ll get to experience a sense of unity with the Cuban people, amidst a sea of waving red and white flags, and the sounds of music and singing. On this exclusive Havana tour, you’ll come to understand the love that Cubans have for their country and be a part of a unique event that you’ll never forget!
Our tour will start early at one of two meeting points in the city, either Vedado or Old Havana. From there, we’ll take transport to the closet drop-off point for the march and meet up with the whole group. On the way you’ll get a little background from your guide about the importance of May 1 in Cuba.
At about 7am we’ll join the parade as it winds its way along the streets of the city, until it reaches the Plaza of the Revolution. This is where a large statue of Jose Marti stands – he is Cuba’s national poet and known as the Godfather of the Revolution.
At the plaza we’ll be entertained by some special cultural and musical events, as well as speeches from important leading figures in Cuba. The entire event finishes at about 10am.
Once we’ve enjoyed some time with the locals, it's time to have something to eat and learn more about May Day and its history in Cuba. We can share our photos and talk about what makes May 1 so special and unique in Cuba while enjoying some traditional food and drink.
We end the tour here. Your tour guide can assist you in getting back to your accommodation, on how to get to other parts of the city, and what you can do for the rest of the day.
Note that May Day is a public holiday, so many businesses are closed.
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Additional information
Inclusions: Local English-speaking guide, 1 drink (traditional lemonade, cocktail, beer or soft drink), brunch meal (choose from a local menu of Cuban sandwich, Cuban pizza, eggs, rice and beans, etc.), water (please bring your own bottle), transport to and from march, and a small souvenir.
Exclusions: Additional food and drinks, souvenirs and personal shopping, tips/gratuities for your guide.
Dress standard: People often dress in red or white for this event, so come in those colours if you can!
Your Trip: For your Urban Adventure you will be in a small group of a maximum of 12 people.
Confirmation of booking: If you have your voucher, your booking is confirmed. We'll see you at the start point. Get in touch if you have any concerns or require more information via the email address or phone number (business hours only) on your voucher.
Additional Information: This is a very busy and noisy march and we will be walking for some time. Wear comfortable shoes and do not carry too many items. Do not bring valuables with you.
Child Policy: This is a child-friendly tour. Children between the ages of 6 and 11 inclusively are permitted on this tour at the rate listed above. Please select ‘child’ above when booking. Children under the age of 6 are permitted to join this tour free of charge. Please inform us at the time of booking if you’ll be bringing a child under the age of 6. You can do so in the special request box on the checkout page.
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Dietary Notes
We can accommodate vegetarians and other dietary restrictions. Please notify us in advance if you have any dietary requests. You can do so in the ‘Additional information’ box at checkout, or by emailing us at info@havanaurbanadventures.com.
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Local contact
Office phone number: +53 5338 7373
Email address: info@havanaurbanadventures.com
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