Cuban Festival kicks off in big style

Festival directors Greydis Montero Liranza, left, and Lisa Kohunui strike a pose. Photo / Stephen Parker

The New Zealand Cuban Festival kicked off the community week with more than 100 people joining the party at Eat Streat on Saturday night.

According to the festival's artistic director Greydis Montero Liranza the night was a "huge success."

"It was absolutely fantastic and exciting to see the support of the community. It was so beautiful to see the locals embracing the Cuban culture and getting involved in the festival, they really felt the rhythm and the heat of the music. It was beautiful to watch," she said.

"We had kids dancing with their mamas, and seniors too. Everyone came together and embraced the dancing. They danced until late and were asking for more. People were joining in the group dances without knowing the steps, they were just getting in there."

This is the second year the festival trust is holding the community week - from Saturday, February 28 to Saturday, March 7. This week-long pre-festival event also has free activities to give locals an opportunity to see performances and join classes at the City Focus, the Arts Village, the Night Markets and at Eat Street.

"I can't wait to see how the rest of the festival goes once the other artists get here. It's going to be a huge storm," said Ms Montero Liranza.

"Every year the festival attracts the best international and national Cuban dance instructors who come to share the sounds, rhythms and dances of the Afro-Cuban beat with Kiwis who love Cuban dance."

Also attending for the second year is the Cuban Ambassador to New Zealand, her Excellency Ms Maria del Carmen Herrera Caseiro and her husband Mr Manuel who will arrive in time for the Cuban Contemporary Maori Fusion Dance Showcase at the Millennium Hotel Saturday, March 7.

The festival is sponsored this year by the New Zealand Communities Trust (NZCT), the Rotorua Energy Charitable Trust, The Southern Trust, the Bay Trust, the Pub Charity, and the Infinity Foundation.

The Festival celebrates everything Cuban and introduces Afro-Cuban music and dance programmes to the wider New Zealand and international public.

For more information contact Lisa Kohonui on 022341550.