The Most Famous Cubans And How They Made Their Name

Cuba might be a fairly small country, but it has produced a huge array of talent. Read on to find out more about some of the famous Cubans who have taken their culture around the world.

Celia Cruz

The most popular Latin musical artist of the 20th century was born in Havana, Cuba but spent most of her life in the United States. Wherever you go in Latin America, you are likely to hear some of her biggest hits such as “La Vida Es Un Carnaval” and “La Negra Tiene Tumbao.”

Yoel Romero

Gloria Estefan

Another singer-songwriter born in Havana, Estefan shot to global fame in 1985 with the song “Conga.” She went on to win three Grammy Awards and has sold more than 100 million records around the world. Not bad at all.

Alicia Alonso

A former beauty queen, Alonso devoted her life to developing ballet in Cuba. She set up the Cuban National Ballet following the Revolution in 1959, and turned it into one of the most highly regarded ballet schools in the world.

Carlos Acosta

Another ballet dancer, Acosta developed his skills at Alonso’s Cuban National Ballet before joining the Royal Ballet in England in 1998. Since then he has spent most of his time in England, dancing with high-profile dance companies in Europe and North America.

Javier Sotomayor

High jumper Sotomayor is the current world record holder in his sport, and is the only person ever to have jumped 2.45 metres. He is widely regarded as the best high jumper ever, and his achievements have made him a household name in the athletics world as well as one of the most well-renowned Cubans.

Wilfredo Lam

Artist Lam was primarily a painter, although he did also work with sculpture, ceramics and printmaking. His work focused on Afro-Cuban culture, and it took him to global prominence. Lam has had exhibitions around the world, including at the Tate Modern in London in 2016.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.