Colourful music and dance celebrations run throughout the island’s calendar. If you’re ready to march to a different beat, plan your 2022 holiday to Cuba around these events:

• Havana Jazz Festival (January) - An internationally renowned festival showcasing the finest in global jazz talent.

• Habanos Festival (February) - Celebrating another of Cuba’s famous exports, the cigar. Try the best brands out for yourself at a tasting, or join a tour of the local factories.

• Celebration of Classic Cars (March) - Any self-respecting car enthusiast knows that Havana is home to a huge fleet of well-kept classic cars. Check out the parade or get up close with some vintage vehicles.

• Old Havana: City in Movement (April) - A riotous dance festival where local and international groups display their talents across the squares and buildings of the old city.

• May Day Celebrations (May) - Did you know that the 1st May is International Workers’ Day? Cuba honours its workers with a huge parade in Havana, where the president gives an annual speech.

• Festival del Caribe (July) - If you’re aiming for a cheap holiday to Cuba, you can still see the best of local music and dance at this colourful festival’s free concerts.

• 26 July Celebrations (July) - Unleash your inner rebel at a variety of events dedicated to honouring the revolutionary heroes of Cuba’s socialist history.

• Symposia de Hip Hop Cubano (August) - If you’re more Jay-Z than jazz, head to this festival to discover Cuba’s unique hip hop scene.

• Havana Ballet Festival (October) - Salsa isn’t the only dance that Cubans excel at, and this festival showcases the best local and international ballet dancers around.

• Marabana Marathon (November) - Keep active on your beach holiday to Cuba by joining this sociable race, where you can compete with the best athletes or take a more leisurely pace.

• Parrandas de Remedios (December) - The island’s most extravagant Christmas festival where you’ll see parades, parties, rumba, and fireworks competitions.

Music and dancing are a key part of Cuban culture, and you’ll find many stylish bars in Havana and Trinidad where you can salsa like a local. Beachside resorts have their own evening venues if you’d prefer to chill by the sea with a beer.

• Casa de la Música, All major towns - These bars are a real slice of Cuban life, with live music and dancing ‘til the sun comes up.

• El Floridita, Havana - Ernest Hemingway’s favourite haunt, try their signature cocktails and you’ll see why!

• El Tropicana, Havana - An open-air nightclub that puts on spectacular shows - think Cirque du Soleil, Cuban style!

• Casa de la Trova, Trinidad - Experience authentic Cuban salsa with friendly locals and live musicians.

• Cafe Fortuna, Trinidad - A cosy bar with a quirky design, you can even sip your rum in a bathtub!

Fans of Spanish, Caribbean, and African foods will be happy here. The local cuisine draws from the best flavours of all three, making for some interesting meals to look out for on your Cuban holiday:

• Ropa Viega - The national dish, a hearty stew of shredded beef and peppers in a tomato sauce.

• Yuca con Mojo - A healthy, yet delicious starter of cassava, with a garlicky citrus sauce.

• Sandwich Cubano - The internationally renowned Cuban twist on a ham and cheese sandwich.

• Pastelitos de Guayaba - Sweet pastry treats packed with exotic guava fruit.

• Cucorucho - A palm-leaf cone packed with coconut, honey, pineapple, and nuts.

Taste buds tingling? Head to these eateries across the island:

• Doña Eutimia, Havana - A charming and intimate location serving some of the best Ropa Viega in the capital.

• Kike-Kcho, Varadero - Sample the finest catch of local seafood on the terrace of this marina restaurant.

• Chez Victor, Playa Maguana - Chilled-out beachside spot serving tasty seafood and cocktails.

• Camino al sol, Havana - The best veggie food in the city, with daily specials and a fresh pasta bar.

• Ranchón Playa Prohibida, Cayo Coco - Stay close to the ocean as you dig into this beach restaurant’s famous grilled lobster.