Cuba Holidays - Grapefruit Festival

The Grapefruit Harvest Festival in Cuba is one of the most unusual holidays in the world. It is celebrated annually on March 1 not only by Cubans, but also by all those who like the specific taste of a unique fruit from the citrus family, which has beneficial properties. The festival is held on the first day of spring on the island of Juventud. After the end of the festive events, the grapefruit harvest begins. Grapefruit was first discovered on the island of Barbados in the 50s of the 18th century by botanist Griffiths Hughes and decided to call the find “forbidden fruit.” Grapefruit is a fruit that grows on a subtropical evergreen tree. It is believed to be the result of an accidental cross between fruits such as orange and pomelo. Grapefruits of different varieties differ significantly in size. The color of the pulp can range from bright red to light yellow. Now about 20 varieties of this fruit plant are grown on an industrial scale. Grapefruit fruits are considered dietary and have many beneficial properties. During the ripening period, they resemble bunches of grapes in appearance. This explains the name of the fruit, which was derived from the English word “grape” (grapes). For two hundred years it was considered an ornamental plant. In the 20th century, citrus fruit began to be grown on plantations in Cuba in large quantities, and this became a very profitable business. Soon grapefruit took one of the leading places on the world fruit market. Before the harvest begins in Cuba, a festival begins, during which theatrical performances are held. The celebrations begin on the Cuban island of Juventud, where residents collect the most grapefruits, and then spread throughout the country. Several days and nights turn into an enchanting holiday. The Cuban festival, which celebrates citrus fruits, allows us to demonstrate the breadth of soul of this people. As a rule, guests from other countries are not invited to the holiday. Cubans jealously guard their identity, so foreign tourists cannot participate in the celebrations. The locals dance to cheerful music and are accompanied by a real feast of grapefruits. Festive events continue both day and night. On the occasion of the harvest, local residents indulge in unbridled joy these days. After this, the festival gradually fades away, and the inhabitants of Freedom Island begin their workdays again.