About Us

We are Beyond Roots, a group of friends that have joined efforts in order to provide an Immersion in Afro Cuban Culture. Growing up in Guanabacoa we were raised under the living legacy of our African ancestors. Now we have an authentic passion for educating people about this misunderstood topic. We want to share with you the feeling of our community, transmit you a knowledge that has been passed from generations and show you its influence in the daily life of the Cubans from different perspectives. In this particular experience we’ll do it through the classical Afro Cuban rhythms and dances

What will we do?

Do you like Cuban rhythms and dances? Are you interested in knowing it´s African roots and legacy? Do you want to feel all your troubles being danced away? Then, this is the right experience for you! 

First, we will share a cup of coffee and get to know each other in the Café Galería Mamainé. From there we will travel to the town of Guanabacoa, the cradle of Afro-Cuban culture. We will spend our experience in the community meeting house, where we usually celebrate must of the religious activities and also the local parties. Once there, the babalawo –highest priest- will give you an introduction to Santeria explaining the relationship between the Orishas (Yoruba deities) and the Catholicism. Then the musicians of the team will teach you about the rhythms that we play for our deities, the instruments that we use and its importance and repercussion in traditional Cuban music. After that, you can learn about the dances that we perform for the Orishas and the meaning of every step. You will be learning by doing. At the end of the day, you will have understood how music and dance tell the story of the desires and struggles of our African ancestors. You will come as a guest and you will leave as one of us.

Note:

Once we finish the experience, we will open a small Afro Cuban Souvenir Shop for you to enjoy unique products especially crafted. This will be an amazing opportunity for you to support local talents.

What´s included?

• Welcoming coffee
• Afro Cuban Performance
• Traditional beverage
• Round Trip Transport

Duration: 3 Hours

Meeting Point: Café Bone´Ma (21 street, No. 103 between L and M. Vedado)