El Mejunje, Cultural center in Santa Clara, Cuba

El Mejunje occupies the ruins of an old hotel on Calle Marta Abreu, near the corner with Calle Juan Bruno Zayas, close to Parque Vidal, La Caridad Theatre and the Saint Claire of Assisi Cathedral. Inside are a theatre, a café, an art gallery on the second roof and a small music venue for concerts from rock'n roll to Cuban folk music.

Ramon Silverio founded El Mejunje in 1985, converting an abandoned building into a cultural venue that quickly became central to Santa Clara's community life. This transformation marked an important shift in how the city approached public cultural spaces.

The name "El Mejunje" means "The Mixture", reflecting founder Ramón Silverio's aim of an open space shared by everyone regardless of sexual orientation. People linked to the centre are called Mejunjeros. Its programme includes HIV/AIDS prevention campaigns and actions against homophobia and social discrimination, alongside a Gay Saturday disco every Saturday night.

The venue sits on Martha Abreu street and opens in the evenings for various programs and events. Plan to visit after sunset and check ahead about that evening's activities since offerings change regularly.

The venue was among the first on the island to actively support and welcome the LGBTQ+ community through dedicated programming. This stance made it a significant refuge for people who found less acceptance elsewhere.