Joaquín from El Chambao de Joaquín held his annual fund-raising event on July 23rd and 24th at Plaza Nueva in La Herradura. From what I have been told, the fund-raiser was to assist the town of Baracoa in Cuba with funding for social installations such as schools and hospitals.
Judging by the number of people I saw there on the Friday night, the event was a successful one. Juaquín and his team were hard at work over the hot coals and grill preparing the giant paella and barbequed octopus, meat and vegetable brochetas, sardine skewers (espetos), sausages etc. that he is known for.
Queues for the food were long (trust me I know, I stood in it – and for some reason the song “Smoke Gets in your Eyes” by The Platters came to mind) and the tables were full.  However, the food was delicious and worth the wait.

There was plenty of entertainment on the scene in the form of Cuban music and dancing (Flamenco as well). Vendors had set up tables around the plaza tempting us with their jewellery, clothing and other articles. I, of course, being the shop-aholic that I am, bought a pretty wrap-around skirt that was begging for a home in my closet! Hopefully, a percentage of the takings of these non-related market stalls goes to the cause, as well.