Christmas Eve in the small town of Remedios, is when the town's two neighbourhoods compete with fireworks and floats. The party goes on all night, and Cubans come from miles around, to drink rum, dance and set off hundreds of fireworks at each other!
It's a brilliant night, for meeting Cubans and enjoying the real fiesta experience. Everything is in Cuban pesos too, so it's mind-bogglingly cheap.
Staying in Remedios is a bit tricky - as everyone has their families over for the festival, but being Cuba they'll squeeze you in somewhere. There is also a small hotel in the main square - Hotel Mascotte.
Rent a car on Christmas Day, and drive along the stunning causeway out to Caya Santa Maria and spend Christmas on the beach!
But remember your passports, immigration control is heavy on the causeway to the islands.
Santa Clara is the nearest big town to Remedios - just get a local bus, or taxi, although getting back out on Christmas Day is difficult - far easier to go to the beach, and wait for Boxing Day.
We travelled from Trinidad, where we stayed at Casa Alicia y Miguel, Frank Pais street.
We finished our two week trip in the Hotel Santa Isabel, Plaza Armas, Havana - after so many casas, it was pure indulgence to spend one night in a nice hotel and well worth the vast expense!
Remedios is around 15 miles from Santa Clara.
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