PRADO & NEPTUNO, THE STREET CORNER OF A FAMOUS CHA CHA CHA

There are places that evoke memories and emotions associated with a once popular music genre, that we may even have danced to, such as the famous cha cha cha.

If you are an enthusiastic dancer or are interested in tropical rhythms, do not miss the opportunity to visit the corner of Prado and Neptuno, near Havana´s Parque Central (Central Park).

This intersection has the Telégrafo and Parque Central hotels and a restaurant that once had an upstairs dance floor, where a popular story inspired Cuban musician Enrique Jorrín (1926-1987) to write and record his very famous piece: La Engañadora (The Cheater, 1953). This was the first piece of cha cha cha dance performed by Orquesta América.

Danced by couples, the name is derived from the shuffling of the dancers’ feet and it was one of the most popular musical styles of the 20th century in America and around the world; indeed, it still has many fans today.

The Prado and Neptuno corner is close to the Capitol and to the Inglaterra and Plaza Hotels. Moreover, it is adjacent to bars, boutiques, other restaurants, museums, and monuments.

Having recalled the famous cha cha cha song from the corner, visitors can continue on to tour historic Old Havana.