Club Mejunje
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El Mejunje Santa Clara

3.9
·159 reviews·Santa Clara, Cuba

A vibrant cultural hub in Santa Clara, Cuba, known for its inclusive atmosphere, diverse performances, and lively bar scene.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Evenings

Vibrant shows and bar scene

CrowdMedium
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Club Mejunje

El Mejunje Santa Clara

Best Time

Evenings

Vibrant shows and bar scene

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A vibrant cultural hub in Santa Clara, Cuba, known for its inclusive atmosphere, diverse performances, and lively bar scene.

3.9
(159 reviews)

"This club is a melting pot of students, workers and LGBT, all having fun."

Vertical photo
TIP

Confirm Prices at Bar

Be aware of potential tourist pricing. Confirm your bill, especially at the first bar. :moneybag:

Explore the Second Floor

Recommended for better drinks, conversation, and music listening. :musical_note:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Live Performances & Shows

Live Performances & Shows

Main stage

Experience diverse shows, from music and dance to theater. A true cultural melting pot!

The Inclusive Atmosphere

The Inclusive Atmosphere

Throughout the venue

A unique space celebrating diversity, students, workers, and the LGBTQ+ community.

Second Floor Bar

Second Floor Bar

Second floor

Enjoy special drinks, conversation, and music in a more private setting.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Vibe: What to Expect

El Mejunje is a vibrant cultural hub in Santa Clara, known for its inclusive atmosphere and diverse events. Expect a mix of live music, performances, and a lively bar scene. It's a popular spot for students, locals, and the LGBTQ+ community, so come ready to mingle and enjoy the unique energy.

Navigating Prices and Entry

While El Mejunje aims for inclusivity, some visitors report being overcharged as tourists, especially at the first bar. It's wise to confirm prices and be aware of your bill. The second-floor bar is often recommended for a more relaxed experience with better drinks and music listening.

Best Times

When
Evenings
Why
Vibrant shows and bar scene
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekends
Why
Most active nightlife
Crowd
High
When
Mondays
Why
No shows, quieter vibe
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Respuesta a @lalogmg02ttv #Fitness #GymTok #gym #proteina #nutricionen1minuto #nutricion #leche #lechematerna #calidad
@nutricionen1minuto
15.5K likes • 290.5K views

Confirm Prices at Bar

Be aware of potential tourist pricing. Confirm your bill, especially at the first bar. :moneybag:

Explore the Second Floor

Recommended for better drinks, conversation, and music listening. :musical_note:

Claras Junction has insanely good food it replaced the Carls jr that was here and Im so glad it did! The staff was so extremely nice they honestly made the experience along with the DELECTABLE food! #povstories #pov #foodreview #viral #fyp #santaclara #levistadium
@monaeatspov
7.1K likes • 98.4K views
8 de mayo en el Mejunje de Santa Clara, entre risas y agujas, hilos y pinceles, las manos de emprendedoras tejieron secretos para mamá... Llegó el día y disfrutamos del momento. Bancas de madera, mesas llenas de colores y aromas que prometían *"algo especial para mamá"*. Cada rincón de la feria tenía una historia: una taza pintada a mano, un collar con iniciales, velas que guardaban esencias,...
rar_artesanias
26 likes • 416 views

Check Show Schedule

Shows vary daily; no performances on Mondays. :performing_arts:

Embrace the Diversity

A melting pot of students, workers, and the LGBTQ+ community. Come with an open mind! :heart:

El Mejunje (The Mixture) in Santa Clara, Cuba is a cultural gathering space created in 1984 to promote inclusion. It’s part theater, music venue, and cafe all in one. Ramón, the founder, shared his vision of promoting understanding and acceptance of political, cultural, and lifestyle differences through entertainment. We were fortunate to see a performance by one of Cuba’s top transvestite perform...
travelistaliz
21 likes • 1.7K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Confirm Prices at Bar

Be aware of potential tourist pricing. Confirm your bill, especially at the first bar. :moneybag:

Explore the Second Floor

Recommended for better drinks, conversation, and music listening. :musical_note:

Check Show Schedule

Shows vary daily; no performances on Mondays. :performing_arts:

Embrace the Diversity

A melting pot of students, workers, and the LGBTQ+ community. Come with an open mind! :heart:

Ask for Piry's Friend

Rumor has it you might get a free drink if you mention Piry! :cocktail:

What Travellers Say

3.9
(159 reviews)

Reviews Summary

El Mejunje is a celebrated cultural center in Santa Clara, praised for its vibrant, inclusive atmosphere and diverse daily shows, making it a unique melting pot for students, locals, and the LGBTQ+ community. However, some visitors have reported issues with inflated prices for tourists, particularly at the initial bar, leading to a mixed perception of its financial transparency.

"Preferate place in Santa Clara, every day have different show. There is 2 bars, one on bottom floor with plastic cup, second on second floor and more private.
This club is melting pot of students, worker and LGBT, all having fun. Thanks to Piry, you can get free drink at 3. Say your my friend!
Second floor is best for special drink, talking and music listening.
First floor is dance floor, or show floor if any.( No show on Monday).
Shows can be viewed from both floor."

Lunix Lunix

"This is not the left-scene safe space it pretends to be. This is a money-making machine. After entering, they practically pushed me to the bar where they handed me a menu in dollars with high prices. Very agressive and no consent awareness at all. We stayed a moment and left. This is not a social project - it is the embodiment of the dark side of capitalism."

Fernando Solano Richante

"This place is a shame! As other people said in the reviews, they pretend to be nice to scam tourists and steal their money. The worst place visited in 3 weeks in Cuba, run by dishonest people."

Francesco Melito

What People Like

Inclusive and diverse atmosphere
Daily live shows and performances
Vibrant nightlife and music

What People Dislike

Potential tourist overcharging
Aggressive bar staff

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

El Mejunje is centrally located in Santa Clara, Cuba. Taxis are readily available and are the most convenient way to reach it. You can also walk if you are staying nearby in the city center. Instagram

Yes, El Mejunje is a well-known cultural landmark in Santa Clara. Ask locals for directions to 'El Mejunje de Silverio' if you need assistance. Instagram

For exploring Santa Clara and reaching El Mejunje, taxis are common. For shorter distances within the city center, walking is also a great option to soak in the local atmosphere. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to El Mejunje is generally free, but there might be a cover charge for specific shows or events. It's best to check their schedule or inquire upon arrival. Instagram

El Mejunje is open daily, but show times vary. Performances are typically in the evenings. There are no shows on Mondays, making it a quieter night. Reddit

Yes, El Mejunje has two main floors. The first floor often serves as a dance or show floor, while the second floor is recommended for a more private experience with drinks and music listening. Reddit

While the venue promotes inclusivity, some visitors have reported being overcharged as tourists. It's advisable to be aware of pricing and confirm your bill. Reddit

🎫 🍸 Onsite Experience

El Mejunje hosts a variety of performances including live music (like trova), dance, theater, and other cultural events. The programming changes daily, offering a dynamic experience. Instagram+2

The atmosphere is known for being vibrant, inclusive, and a melting pot of students, workers, and the LGBTQ+ community. It's a place to enjoy music, drinks, and social interaction. InstagramReddit

The first floor of El Mejunje often functions as a dance floor, especially when there are no specific shows scheduled. It's a lively spot to dance the night away. Reddit

Absolutely! Live music is a staple at El Mejunje, with various artists performing regularly. The second floor is particularly good for enjoying music in a more relaxed setting. InstagramReddit

El Mejunje was founded with the vision of promoting inclusion and acceptance of diverse lifestyles, making it a significant cultural space for the LGBTQ+ community in Santa Clara. Instagram+1

🍽️ 💰 Food & Dining

Drink prices can vary. Some visitors have noted that prices might be higher than other bars in town, especially for tourists. It's recommended to check the menu and confirm prices. Reddit

While primarily known as a bar and performance venue, some light snacks or small bites might be available. The focus is more on drinks and the entertainment. Reddit

Yes, there are at least two bars. One is on the bottom floor, often associated with plastic cups and the dance floor, while the second floor offers a more private bar experience. Reddit

Some reviews indicate that menus are presented in dollars, suggesting that foreign currency is accepted, though it's always good to have local currency (CUP) as well. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Generally, casual photography for personal memories is usually permitted. However, professional photography or videography might require special permission. Instagram

The venue itself, with its unique decor and lively atmosphere, offers many photo opportunities. The stage during a performance or the second-floor bar can also make for interesting shots. Instagram+1

While you can capture moments, it's respectful to avoid intrusive flash photography that might disrupt the performance. Check if there are any specific rules regarding performer photos. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

El Mejunje is primarily an adult-oriented cultural and nightlife venue, focusing on music, performances, and a bar scene. While it's a place of inclusion, it might not be the most suitable environment for young children, especially during evening performances and when the bar is active. Instagram

If you are traveling with family and looking for cultural experiences in Santa Clara, consider exploring other daytime attractions. However, if older children or teenagers are interested in experiencing Cuban music and a lively atmosphere, a brief visit during an earlier performance might be considered, keeping in mind the venue's primary focus. Instagram

🏳️‍🌈 LGBTQ+ Travelers

El Mejunje is a historically significant and welcoming space for the LGBTQ+ community in Cuba. Founded to provide a safe haven and promote acceptance, it remains a vibrant hub for LGBTQ+ individuals and allies. You can expect an inclusive and celebratory atmosphere. Instagram+1

Visitors often praise El Mejunje for its open-minded environment and the opportunity to connect with a diverse crowd. It's a place where people of all backgrounds can come together to enjoy art, music, and each other's company without judgment. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

While El Mejunje is a cultural hub, some reviews suggest that prices, particularly for drinks, can be higher than in other local establishments, especially for tourists. Be mindful of this and confirm prices before ordering. Reddit

To make the most of a budget visit, consider enjoying the atmosphere and perhaps one drink on the second floor, which is often recommended for its quality. Keep an eye out for any potential 'friend of Piry' perks, as mentioned in some tips, which could offer a small saving. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History and Vision of El Mejunje

Founded in 1985 by Ramón Silverio, El Mejunje (meaning 'The Mixture' or 'The Potion') was conceived as a space to foster understanding and acceptance across political, cultural, and lifestyle differences. It began as a gathering for the LGBTQ+ community, which faced significant stigma in Cuba at the time, and has since evolved into a broader cultural hub. The venue's name itself reflects its mission to blend diverse elements of society and art. Instagram+1

El Mejunje is more than just a bar or a performance space; it's a symbol of resilience and a testament to the power of art and community. It has played a crucial role in promoting visibility and acceptance for marginalized groups in Santa Clara and beyond. The founder's vision continues to resonate, making it a unique and important cultural institution in Cuba. Instagram

Today, El Mejunje continues to host a wide array of events, from live music and theater to dance performances and art exhibitions. It remains a vital center for artistic expression and social dialogue, attracting a diverse crowd of locals and visitors alike who come to experience its inclusive spirit and vibrant atmosphere. Instagram+1

Navigating the Experience: Tips from Visitors

When visiting El Mejunje, be prepared for a dynamic and sometimes unpredictable experience. While the venue is celebrated for its inclusive atmosphere and diverse shows, some visitors have shared cautionary tales regarding pricing. It's frequently mentioned that the first bar upon entry may have inflated prices for tourists, leading to feelings of being overcharged. Reddit

To enhance your visit, many recommend heading to the second-floor bar. This area is often described as more private, offering better drink selections and a more relaxed ambiance for enjoying the music and conversation. Some even suggest a playful tactic: mentioning 'Piry' might lead to a complimentary drink, adding a touch of local charm to your experience. Reddit

Beyond the bar, the heart of El Mejunje lies in its daily performances. From live music, including the traditional Cuban trova, to dance and theater, there's always something happening. While Mondays are typically show-free, the rest of the week buzzes with artistic energy. Embrace the 'mixture' of people and art, and you're likely to have a memorable time. InstagramReddit

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