Havana gay bar
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“Which direction should we walk?”
My friend and I had arrived at Mi Cayito beach in Cuba, a stretch of shoreline 15 miles east of Havana, in search of gay Cuba travel experiences. It looked as though the beach extended quite a distance in both directions, so we were unsure where to discover the gay section of beach that supposedly existed. The Internet hadn’t been much help in that regard.
Just then, a college-age guy with a sassy demeanor sauntered past with a female friend. We were evidently on the right track. “Follow him!”
Our hope that the dude would lead us to the gay beach were realized when, after five minutes of walking west, we spotted the rainbow flag.
Visiting Mi Cayito, The Gay Cuba Beach
On this weekday afternoon, the homosexual beach had maybe 100 people at most, but it was still wonderful to see signs of gay life in Cuba, where acceptance is growing but still not nearly at the same level as in most western nations.
As of this writing, Cuba still has no official gay bars (just the occasional gay darkness at a club). So the gay beach was our best shot at finding the LGBTQ crowd in Havana. And w
LGBTQ+ Nightlife: Six Gay-Friendly Venues to Visit in Havana
This famous El Vedado bar hosts LGBTQ+-themed parties regularly. Every Wednesday, they host glam for “PaZillo Pride” events. Each one celebrates a different subgroup of Cuba’s queer group – from ladies-only online dating events to drag queen parties.
No matter when you go, you will scamper into a welcoming and trendy atmosphere. The meal menu is relatively basic and limited to burgers and standard appetizers that will help you prolong the night.
Meanwhile, the drinks menu is constantly switching as they come up with new signature blends. Still, their specialty remains creamy, rum-infused blends with unorthodox fruit juices – from tropical berries to coconut milk or guava extract.
This is a boisterous, dance-oriented place, so predict the music to incorporate the years’ Billboard hits, and to gravitate strongly towards salsa, reggaeton, and other tropical rhythms. The dress code is flexible, but comfy shoes are recommended.
One last pro tip: The door fee for any of their parties doubles as an entry for a nightly raffle. You’ll be given a numbered sticker, which you should immediat
LGBTQ+ Bars in Latin America
La Purísima is an unapologetically irreverent gay bar on Avenida República de Cuba in downtown Mexico Urban area. One of its most endearing features is the staff who dress as Catholic priests and nuns.
I was on assignment in Mexico City for the Washington Blade, the oldest LGBTQ+ newspaper in the United States for which I am the international news editor, in July I decided to leave to la Purí, as the bar’s known for short. I arrived shortly after 11 a.m. and spent the next 90 minutes or so dancing and slowly sipping shots of mezcal. I was walking outside to procure some fresh air when Sergio, a staff person who was dressed as a priest, approached me in the hallway that led to the door and asked me if I wanted to depart to confession. I said yes, and he led me to a miniature booth on the sidewalk. He unlocked the makeshift confessional and we went inside. I had learned in my childhood Confraternity of Christian Doctrine class at St. Thomas Aquinas Church that what one says inside a confessional remains between the penitent, the priest (and God.) I am not one to question Sergio’s standing within the church, but that night at la Purí was quite a memorable
Pack your fun pants and celebrate NYE in Havana with a wonderful group of gay guys. From colonial architecture to Cuban cigars and even big gay Havana, this Support for the Cuban People tour is legal for Americans, and gets up close and personal with the Caribbean islands distinct Latin culture. It also happens to coincide with New Years Eve, so pack your amusing pants and prepare to celebrate. Throw in some friendly locals, a several old cars, and even a splash of salsa, and the new year is off to a stellar start! Our same-sex attracted Cuba tour is legal for Americans!
Cant make NYE? Also check out our Cultural Cuba Gay Tour, with multiple departures throughout the year.
• Exposure a unique walking tour of Old Havana
• Sound in the New Year, Cuban style in enormous gay Havana
• Enjoy a salsa lesson in the colonial settlement of Trinidad
• Lay on remote and immaculate beaches
• Dine under the stars in an open Viñales tobacco field
• Be a guest at local homestays, a dis
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