Various musical events, such as festivals and competitions, were created during this period, with the main purpose of showcasing new performers in different musical genres and styles, as well as raising the level of musical excellence in the country.

One of the most famous and revolutionizing events in the Cuban music scene is the Jazz Plaza Festival. It takes place annually and has its main venue at the Casa de la Cultura in the Plaza de la Revolución municipality (Calzada No. 909, Vedado, Plaza de la Revolución, Havana), although it has now expanded to numerous other venues. Organized by the renowned Bobby Carcassés, its events have featured prominent Cuban and international jazz musicians.

The first edition of an electroacoustic music festival was held in 1981, thanks to the efforts of prominent Cuban musician Juan Blanco. It is a festival dedicated to musical creation using electroacoustic media. Initially, it was called “Primavera en Varadero.” This beautiful beach hosted this artistic gathering until 1993, showcasing the latest in the field of electronics and computer science applied to music.

In 1998, its headquarters moved to the Historic Center of Havana and the festival was renamed “Spring in Havana.” Performances have taken place at the Cuban Art Building of the Museum of Fine Arts (Trocadero Street between Zulueta and Monserrate Streets, Old Havana, Havana), the House of Obrapía (Obrapía No. 158, Old Havana, Havana), the Museum of Music (Obrapía No. 512, Old Havana, Havana), and the Concert Hall of the Minor Basilica of the Convent of San Francisco de Asís (Oficios between Amargura and Churruca Streets, Old Havana, Havana), among other venues.

In 1982, the first edition of the Leo Brouwer International Guitar Festival-Competition took place. This event is held at several venues throughout Havana, the main one being the Amadeo Roldán Auditorium Theater (Calzada y D, Vedado, Plaza de la Revolución, Havana). During the event, various activities related to the guitar, the main instrument of the event, include recitals, concerts with orchestras, lectures, master classes, and more. Musicians from various countries participate, many of whom have won awards.

The Havana Contemporary Music Festival contributes to the dissemination of works by important composers as well as those of new generations of composers from all over the world. It features orchestras of various styles, both instrumental and vocal, as well as soloists, including Aldo López Gavilán. Each edition is dedicated to and honors significant figures in music.

Dedicated to the Bolero, the International Boleros de Oro Festival has been held annually since 1986. Each edition features a guest country and pays tribute to the genre’s most outstanding performers. Participating are music students and professional artists, and the Boleros de Oro International Colloquium is held. The record for the world’s longest bolero, lasting 76 hours, was set in the 2001 edition.

Every April, Cuba hosts an event closely linked to the purest Cuban roots, dedicated to percussion: the PERCUBA International Festival. Dr. Lino Arturo Neira is the president of the Organizing Committee. All interested parties and percussion scholars, as well as the best Cuban and international percussionists, showcase their skills at each event, and prizes are awarded to the most outstanding performers.

The Habanera Festival in Havana has been held since 1985, during the festivities of the Villa de San Cristóbal de La Habana. The main objective of this event is to revive the wealth of new pieces belonging to the habanera genre. This festival features a variety of activities, including concerts, artistic presentations, serenades, composition and performance competitions, discussions, theoretical meetings, and exhibitions. The competition prizes include first, second, and third places, a performance award, and any honorable mentions awarded by the jury.

The “Benny Moré” International Popular Music Festival brings together groups and figures of popular dance music, as well as creators and performers. Casino wheel gatherings, competition awards ceremonies, and popular dances are some of the activities held throughout the festival. The “Benny Moré in the Development of Popular Music” Colloquium was held in its 2009 edition.

Famous among the younger generations of Cubans, the Children’s Song Festival Cantándole al Sol (Singing to the Sun) is held with the aim of promoting children’s songs in Cuba. Participants are invited to all professional and amateur composers (children and adults), but the sponsors of the competing works are all children and adolescents.

The Matamoros Son International Festival, also known as the International Son Festival, is sponsored by the Cuban Institute of Music, the Provincial Music Center, the Provincial Directorate of Culture of Santiago de Cuba, and the National Center for Popular Music. Its name pays tribute to Cuban musician Miguel Matamoros, a symbol of this musical genre in Cuba.

The Ignacio Piñeiro National Septet Meeting has been held in Havana since 1995. It is sponsored by the Ignacio Piñeiro Music Institution. Each year, it brings together groups, researchers, journalists, and musicologists with the goal of contributing to the dissemination and preservation of this instrumental format. It provides a space that sponsors the preservation and development of the format. Its events feature artistic presentations by musical groups from all over Cuba, a scientific convention, and a tres player competition.

The Longina National Gathering of Trova Artists was established in 1996 as a fitting tribute to the legendary Manuel Corona. The event, named after the song that immortalized him, is held annually in the province of Villa Clara. Its main objectives are to commemorate Manuel Corona and promote the youngest exponents of trova in Cuba. It always concludes with a pilgrimage to Manuel Corona’s tomb in the Caibarién cemetery, where the remains of this great Cuban trova artist rest.

The National Chamber Music Festival “A Tempo con Caturla” is organized by the Hermanos Saíz Association (AHS) and has been held in Cuba since 1996. It takes place in the cities of Santa Clara and Remedios. Its main objective is to evoke the innovative thinking of this exceptional musician and his authentic artistic approach, which has made him a must-see for young Cuban composers and instrumentalists. It is a prestigious event that showcases exponents of jazz, electroacoustic, Afro-Cuban, and classical music. Each year, choirs, orchestras, and ensembles perform there, showcasing their talents to both specialists and the demanding general public.

The International Fair of the Cuban Recording Industry, Cubadisco, is the most revealing and inclusive event in Cuban music, born out of the need for reciprocity between producers and music industry executives. It awards prizes to both Cuban and foreign cultural figures. Its editions feature specialized conferences, exhibitions, screenings of new recordings, colloquia, and concerts.

The Jojazz International Competition for Young Jazz Artists is primarily aimed at revealing new “stars” among young jazz performers in Cuba. Each edition is dedicated to a jazz musician with a distinguished career. This festival has introduced several young performers who are now recognized figures in contemporary Cuban music, including Yasek Manzano and Harold López Nussa.

The Corhabana Festival was founded in 1999 under the name Havana Choral Gathering, a title that was changed to Corhabana in 2002, becoming an international festival. Since its founding, it has been organized by Digna Guerra, the president of the Organizing Committee. It used to be an annual event, but today it is held every two years within the Cuban musical scene.

Al Sur de mi Mochila (South of My Backpack), a prominent Cuban trova festival, established in 1999. This event is sponsored by the Hermanos Saiz Association (AHS) of the city of Cienfuegos and is held annually. It helps gauge the creative talents of the new generations of Cuban singer-songwriters and is also a delightful opportunity to replicate and disseminate the constant renewal of compositions belonging to the Cuban songwriting movement known as Nueva Trova.