The Carnaval in Santiago de Cuba is a national festival, which is highlighted by the parades. The parades are a combination of Cuban music, dance based on diverse ethnic backgrounds (Latin, Spanish, African, and Chinese), and bright colored costumes. Each group that presents a part of the procession is unique to all the other groups. Some reenact the history of the Cuban Island, including the Spanish colonization, rise of slavery, and their independences from slavery, the Spanish, and the Batista régime. Others design their presentations to entertain children, including a favorite called “The Big Heads”. Others reflect an ethnic African heritage.