In response to Brian Flora, an article in English concerning street
organs in Cuba appeared in the Spring 1995 edition of "Vox Humana",
the journal of the Mechanical Organ Owners' Society (MOOS) and,
subsequently, also appeared in 1/1995 edition of "The Key Frame",
the magazine of the Fairground Organ Preservation Society.
The article, entitled "Caribbean Dream", written by Trevor Taylor,
describes a visit to the organ works of the Cuayo family in Holguin
and one or two other places of interest with organs, but made no
specific reference to Carnaval events.
"Het Pierement", the magazine of the Kring van Draaiorgelvrienden,
has also included a number of items concerning Cuban organs, the first
reference appearing to be the article "Draaiorgels op Cuba" by Alois
Broeke, published in issue 3/1983.
Last month I was fortunate enough to travel to Cuba myself and was
delighted to be welcomed as a visitor at the Cuayo organ works. I hope
to describe this visit in a forthcoming issue of the MOOS magazine
"Vox Humana" and update some of the information supplied by Trevor.
For those seeking general information, the Lonely Planet Guide to Cuba
by David Stanley is recommended and the references in it to mechanical
music (including the factory address, telephone number and a map of how
to find it) are remarkably accurate.
I would be very interested to know if others have encountered mechanical
organs elsewhere in Cuba.
Best wishes to all
Peter Craig
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