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

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Vibrant shows and bar scene

El Mejunje Santa Clara
Best Time
Vibrant shows and bar scene

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant cultural hub in Santa Clara, Cuba, known for its inclusive atmosphere, diverse performances, and lively bar scene.
"This club is a melting pot of students, workers and LGBT, all having fun."

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:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Live Performances & Shows
Main stage
Experience diverse shows, from music and dance to theater. A true cultural melting pot!

The Inclusive Atmosphere
Throughout the venue
A unique space celebrating diversity, students, workers, and the LGBTQ+ community.

Second Floor Bar
Second floor
Enjoy special drinks, conversation, and music in a more private setting.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Vibe: What to Expect
Navigating Prices and Entry
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
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:
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
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🍸 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🍽️ 💰 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.
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.
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.
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.
📸 📸 Photography
Generally, casual photography for personal memories is usually permitted. However, professional photography or videography might require special permission.
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.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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.
🏳️🌈 LGBTQ+ Travelers
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.
💰 Budget Travelers
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.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Vision of El Mejunje
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.
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.
Navigating the Experience: Tips from Visitors
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.
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.


Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit