Chapter 11: Art : Callejon de Hamel

The most unique art district we visited was Callejon de Hamel, located in Centro , Havana. It was in a densely populated and rundown part of town with ramshackled and potholed streets. Tom liked to call it the blown up areas. We visited the area just before they had their rumba music show. We left before they started because we did not want to get stuck in the area, since we had to get our bus back to Varadero. We were told it is a raw, hypnotic with rhythmic chants and rumba music every Sunday for 4 hours. The alleys that surround the gallery has become a place for Santeria rituals. On Sundays the Santeria priests and participants dance to invoke the spirits of the Orishas, the Santeria Gods. The surrounding houses and buildings are covered with large murals in bright vivid colors. We were able to see several pieces of Local Cuban art, hand carved statues,paintings. Santeria art and attributes. What a treasure for photography of unique Afro-Cuban Art of all forms. Lots of recycled altered art. A young gentlemen escorted us around and gave us a tour. We gave him a bag of toiletries for himself & some Pesos and he was thrilled. He pointed out several things we would have missed if we walked around by ourselves. We met several of the local artists there and learned a few new techniques. They had a very unique courtyard and cafe with pictures of noteworthy visitors. One was Mick Jagger after he performed with The Rolling Stones in a free concert they did for the Cuban people.