Cannon Ceremony in Havana
Best Havana Attractions

Cuba Traditions - Cuba Culture - Cuba museum

A lesser known Havana attraction is the CANNON CEREMONY held each night at the La Cabaña fortress. The Fortaleza de San Carlos de la Cabaña was built around 1774 by the Spaniards to control the access of the Havana Port. In the fortress is a museum about Che Guevara. In 1959 Che Guevara took possession of the fortress on his triumphant conquer of Havana during the fall of the dictator Batista.

Soldiers dressed in 18th century uniforms fire a cannon over Havana bay at precisely 9 p.m. o’clock. It is a historical reconstruction dating back to the colonial era. Back then, the cannon fire announced the official end of the day and the time to close the city gates for the night.

This ceremony is worth a visit. One warning : be on time (+/- 8 p.m.), since good places with an excellent view are limited. The venue can only be reached by car or taxi. Leave Old Havana through the tunnel at the end of the Paseo del Prado, heading for Havana del Este.
Enjoy your stay!