For London-lubbers who are not following the south westerly drift this weekend, we bring festive tidings. As in tidings of festive things going on. Right on our own doorsteps.
This Saturday and Sunday sees the Carnaval de Cuba, a skirt rustling, high-heel stomping, brass-blowing bonanza in Southwark Park. This outpouring of sheer joie de vivre (or perhaps felicidad, if we want to get all authentic-like) has become an annual must-do for Southwarkians, London based Cubans and those in search of an all round good time.
Why go? For one thing, IT’S FREE. That’s right – a free day out. And there is something going down for the whole family – whether it’s cocktails or face-painting you’re after (Londonist actually recommends having a few of the first and then going for the second), it’s all happening. Personally we dig the Conga, as it blends two of the things we like best: silliness and dancing.
Secondly, there’s some fantabulous sounds in the mostly reggaeton line up. Let’s face it, the sound of Cuba is the sound of happiness. Leading the line up are this lot:
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One tip: don’t take your own food and drink. You won’t be admitted if you do, and there’s plenty of reasonably priced and authentic food stalls inside. Londonist has been before, and we know about these things.
Anyway, what can we say? Estupendo! Vamos!
