Callejon de Hammel is a narrow alley in Havana, the Cayo Hueso neighbourhood. It is a place I found miraculously in 2012. I was stunned – so much colour and live in one place took my breath away… It is not something you describe, you just feel it. Everything here is simple but all-consuming. Callejon de Hammel is the capital of the afro-rumba in Cuba. Every Sunday at 12 o’clock you can watch rumba live dance performances.
It is an urban art street made by Gonzales. They have made chairs, tables, and different sculptures with materials at hand. Exhibitions of local artists are often held here with most of the paintings pinned and hanging. Everything here is a symbol. The bongo and the other musical instruments’ rhythms summon the spirits of the orishas – the deities of Santeria – a local religion. Here you will also see citations from the Little Prince painted on old bathtubs built in the walls.
The Art Gallery of the local artist Salvador can also be seen on Callejon de Hammel. His paintings and sculptures are influenced by the Santeria. Find out more about the Santeria in Cuba here. Salvador is the author of most of the street art here. He died on the 16th of April 2021.
Here you can also buy disks with the music of the local performers or just listen to some live Afro-rumba performances. This place is a must-visit for my tourists.
