How to Throw a Havana Nights Theme Party: From Mambo to Mojitos

The humid night air is thick as your guests arrive, hanging heavy with the promise of excellent food and drink, the smell of cigars wafting nearby, and sensual but energetic dancing into the wee hours of the morning under dimly lit string lights, rendering all of you sticky with sweat.

The perfect Havana Nights-themed party should leave everyone who attends with a sense wistful longing when it ends – a wish that it could go on just a bit longer. Here’s a guide to pulling off a memorable soiree that evokes a Cuban vibe.

Table of contents:

• What’s a Havana Nights party?
• Planning a Havana Nights party
• Food and drink for a Havana Nights party
• Havana Nights party decor
• Planning your Havana Nights party outfit
• Havana Nights party favors
• The best venue for a Havana Nights party

What is a Havana Nights party?

A well-planned Havana Nights theme party is a celebration of all things Cuban, from cuisine and cocktails to music and dance styles that have spread far and wide.

As the name implies, these parties attempt to draw from the bustling, frenetic ambiance of Cuba’s capital city, Havana. Generally, festivities kick off after the sun goes down and feature dancing late into the night and early the following morning. If you’re planning this type of gathering, don’t expect to be in bed at a reasonable hour.

Plan a Havana Nights theme party as steamy as Havana itself

To host a Havana Nights party that authentically captures the vibrant spirit and resilience of Cuban culture, it’s essential to thoughtfully incorporate key elements while remaining mindful of the deeper history that shaped this rich heritage.

How to celebrate responsibly and respectfully

A Havana Nights party is a vibrant tribute to the rich, resilient spirit of Cuban culture. To truly honor this heritage, it’s important to approach your celebration with curiosity, care, and cultural appreciation.

Cuba’s enduring charm comes not just from its colorful buildings and iconic classic cars, but from the creativity, perseverance, and pride of the Cuban people. What many admire as “vintage flair” is actually a reflection of extraordinary ingenuity—homes and cars lovingly maintained through generations, often with limited resources, in the face of political and economic challenges. This resourcefulness is part of what makes Cuban culture so inspiring.

As you plan your event, consider how you can go beyond aesthetics to celebrate the deeper stories and traditions that make Cuban culture so special. Collaborate with Cuban friends or community members. Support Cuban-owned businesses by hiring a Cuban party planner, booking an authentic Cuban band, or ordering food from a local Cuban restaurant. These thoughtful touches not only elevate your party but also ensure you’re celebrating in a way that uplifts and honors the culture at its core.

By leading with respect and joy, your Havana Nights gathering can become more than a theme—it can be a meaningful, memorable celebration of a truly remarkable culture.

Music that moves you

It would be absolutely impossible to host a Havana-themed party without Cuban music. Whether you feature songs from classic Cuban artists like Celia Cruz, Ibrahim Ferrer, Beny Moré, and Omara Portuondo, or you’re going for a more modern sound with Gloria Estefan, the Afro-Cuban All Stars, Camila Cabello, and Pitbull, there are plenty of choices to round out your playlist.

Another option is to focus on lyric-less dance music. If you go this route, be sure to include these popular Cuban dance styles:

• Cha-Cha
• Cuban son
• Mambo
• Rumba
• Salsa

If you want to add a truly authentic touch and your budget allows for it, hire a Cuban band to provide live music for you and your guests.

Food fit for a night in the Pearl of the Antilles

In addition to music, Cuba is responsible for some of the world’s most delicious food items, including meats, rice and beans, and fruits and vegetables seasoned with mouthwatering spices. Here are some dishes to consider serving, as shared by Redditors familiar with Cuban cuisine.

Ropa vieja or lechon asado

Both of these are meat dishes, so you might only want to serve one of them. The first is tender shredded beef marinated in a tomato sauce with Cuban spices; the second is slow-roasted pork that’s marinated in a garlic-citrus sauce.

Arroz con pollo

Literally translated, it means “rice with chicken,” which is exactly what you’ll find in this dish, as well as tomato sauce, bell peppers, Cuban spices and often a side of beans.

Cuban sandwiches (Cubanos)

This classic is a pressed roasted pork and ham sandwich with Swiss cheese, mustard and pickles.

Tostones

This side dish consists of sliced, flattened plaintains (similar to bananas) that are fried so they’re crispy on the outside and soft inside.

Yuca con mojo

In this dish, which also makes a great side, boiled yuca (a starchy root vegetable) is served in mojo sauce, which is usually a combination of tart citrus juice, garlic, olive oil and Cuban spices.

Drinks to wash it all down

At a nighttime shindig, drinks are just as important as the food. Add an extra taste of Havana with these cocktails, recommended by travel agency Love Cuba.

• Mojito: white rum, lime juice, simple syrup, mint leaves, club soda or sparkling water, ice
• Cuba Libre: rum, cola, lime wedges
• Daiquiri: white rum, lime juice, demerara syrup, lime garnish
• El Presedente: white rum, dry vermouth, orange curacao, grenadine

Also be sure to include a couple of zero-proof selections like water, sparkling water, energy drinks, or juice for those who don’t consume alcohol. You can even make nojitos (nonalcoholic mojitos) by simply leaving out the rum.

Decorations to evoke a tropical urban vibe

Cuban restaurant Mojitos Bistro says that, generally, planners of Havana nights parties go with tropically themed decor that might include palm leaves and flowering plants to create a lush atmosphere.

The Art Deco movement was a major influence in Cuba. With that in mind, adding some stylized items from that genre – along with vintage travel posters and prints from Cuban artists like Wilfredo Lam, Tomás Sánchez, and Amelia Peláez – can go a long way in lending authenticity to the event. Vintage records and cigar boxes are other elements that could provide an old-timey feel.

If you’re aiming for a street party vibe, hang some string lights to provide a dim glow that’s enough for people to be able to see while still providing an air of mystery and sensuality.

What to wear to make them say, ‘wow’

For a classic Havana Nights aesthetic, think tropical, bold, and elegant. Men can opt for guayabera shirts paired with linen pants or straw fedoras, while women can wear flowy dresses in vibrant prints or wide-leg pants paired with halter tops.

Accessories like floral hairpieces, chunky jewelry, or vintage-inspired heels can tie the outfit together. Bright colors and breezy fabrics are key to achieving the look.

Party favors guests will actually want to take home

For an extra-special touch, consider providing party favors for your guests to take home. These are sure to be a hit if your budget allows.

• Cigars (not purchased in Cuba) or vintage cigar boxes
• Small containers of Cuban coffee
• Mini bongos
• Tropical scented candles
• Mini bottles of rum
• Butterfly orchids, Cuba’s national flower (as centerpieces or as hair accessories for women)

Best places to have a Havana Nights party

Because Cuba’s climate is tropical and generally warm – the average low temperature is about 70 degrees – it’s best to host a Havana Nights party during the summer months or in a destination that has a similar level of heat and humidity if you want a true Cuban feel.

Of course, we know that’s not always feasible, but even if you can’t take the fun to a whole new place, you can still choose an outdoor venue that will allow partygoers to gaze up at the stars as they dance the night away.

Finding the perfect venue sets the stage for your Havana Nights theme party. With Peerspace, you can discover a wide array of party locations tailored to fit your vision, whether indoors or outside. Choose from:

• Tropically inspired urban rooftops
• Private courtyards surrounded by greenery
• Backyards with space to dance
• Studios and warehouses that provide a blank canvas for your vision
• Indoor lounges with plenty of vintage charm

These unique venues provide the perfect flexible backdrop to bring your Havana-themed extravaganza to life. Plus, with Peerspace, booking is a breeze. You can customize your venue to fit your specific needs for an unforgettable night, read reviews from real people who’ve used the spaces you’re considering, and find transparent pricing that’s available by the hour so you only pay for the time you need.

No passport required—Just the perfect venue and a great guest list

Planning a Havana Nights party comes down to nailing the details – Cuban music, delicious food and cocktails, appropriate decor, tropical outfits, and thoughtful party favors will transport your guests straight to the heart of Havana.

If you’re looking for the ultimate venue to host your Havana Nights celebration, Peerspace is your go-to solution. With flexible options, unique spaces, and easy booking, Peerspace makes it simple to set the perfect stage for a night of Cuban flair and unforgettable memories.

Find a themed party venue as hot as Havana with Peerspace.