Jazz music is often considered as a pretty selective genre of music for people. Not as widely popular amongst the masses, although the music has gained ample recognition everywhere, Jazz is a music genre which has select pockets of regions around the world where it is not necessarily popular, but historically, culturally and socially important in the very idea of the establishment of the local communities residing there. So much so that UNESCO has declared April 30 to be an International Day to be celebrated globally in order to highlight jazz and its diplomatic role of uniting people in all corners of the globe. The host country for this year is Abu Dhabi. Let’s explore some destinations where Jazz music is an influential part of the local cultures and where one can travel to experience its magic.
First up on the list is New Orleans, a culturally vibrant city in the state of Louisiana in the US. With a heavy influence of French, African, Cuban and Sicilian influence on its history, New Orleans is a wonderful melting pot of cultures. From street musicians performing lively and upbeat music to authentic beignets, a type of doughnut, one is bound to have happiness injected into their very soul in New Orleans.
Next up, comes a city that must be mentioned since it was one of the most significant cities to have played their role in popularizing jazz - New York City. New York ushered in a flamboyant age during the 1920’s which is referred to as the Jazz Age. In popular terms, the decade of the 1920’s to the 1930’s is often termed as ‘The Roaring Twenties’. Jazz music became ingrained in the very culture of the city ever since as a result of the Prohibition era in the US. Many ‘speakeasy’s or illegal establishments sold alcohol secretly as the sale of alcohol was banned in the country for over a decade.
Africa was another continent which saw a significant influence of jazz in its culture. South Africa being the principal region where the music flourished, to this day retains much of the influence of Jazz music. The music became a symbol of resistance during the Apartheid era in Africa, a time during which racial segregation had gripped South Africa. Many influential jazz artists emerged during this era.
Paris, the capital of France is another city where Jazz flourished as an important art form. Towards the end of the First World War, many authors, artists and socialites migrated to Paris as a result of war-weariness and the need for a change. Many African-American nationals sought refuge in the city as France offered freedom and respite from the racial prejudice prevalent in the United States. Today, jazz plays a strong role in promoting the identity of French music.
Another beautiful city to visit for jazz enthusiasts is Havana in Cuba. Latin jazz emerged in the 1920’s and found its footing in Havana alongwith New Orleans and New York City in the US. The capital of Cuba, Havana is a vibrant and colourful city with ages of history and culture living in its streets. Its colonial style architecture is an attractive point for tourists around the world. The Cuban music consisting of jazz and salsa, the delicious cuisine and a lively cultural atmosphere make it a city worth taking a trip to.
Enticed by the cultural depth of jazz? Learn more about the places where jazz music flourished by actually travelling there. Visit our website www.travelscrable.com and send us your preferred vacation desires through the Contact Us page. You can also call us at +91 9152297172 or email us at info@travelscrable.com with your jazzy travel desires. Our team of expert curators will help you plan a personalized tour, open for customization in your way. Happy Travelling!
