Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
Livable Streets

StreetFilm: The Street Life of Havana

4:05 PM EST on February 26, 2008

Ethan Kent of Project for Public Spaces recently returned from a trip to Havana with a trove of pictures, cut together in this Streetfilm by Nick Whitaker. Whatever changes are in store for the country in the wake of Fidel Castro's departure from power, these images make clear that the dense, flourishing street life of the capital city is one thing worth preserving. Here's how Ethan puts it:

If children playing in the streets is an indicator of the success of acity, then Havana’s streets may be some of the most successful in theworld...

It's not anything to glorify. It's not an ideal city... But at the same time, I think Havana streets are a window into some of what we've lost in New York and around the world.

Ben Fried
Ben Fried started as a Streetsblog reporter in 2008 and led the site as editor-in-chief from 2010 to 2018. He lives in Ditmas Park, Brooklyn, with his wife.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Canal Street

Friday’s Headlines: Canal Street Follies Edition

Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine isn't happy. Plus otherness.

April 26, 2024
Daylighting

Daylight Again: Bronx Community Board Backs Parking Ban at Intersections

The Boogie Down is down with daylighting!

April 26, 2024
Prospect Lefferts Gardens

Community Board Wants Protected Bike Lane on Empire Blvd.

Brooklyn Community Board 9 wants city to upgrade Empire Boulevard's frequently blocked bike lane, which serves as a gateway to Prospect Park.

April 26, 2024
Streetsblog USAPodcast

The Brake: Why We Can’t End Violence on Transit With More Police

Are more cops the answer to violence against transit workers, or is it only driving societal tensions that make attacks more frequent?

April 26, 2024
Carnage

Report: Road Violence Hits Record in First Quarter of 2024

Sixty people died in the first three months of the year, 50 percent more than the first quarter of 2018, which was the safest opening three months of any Vision Zero year.

April 25, 2024
See all posts