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Hype in Havana over Rolling Stones concert

Posted at 12:16 AM, Mar 22, 2016
and last updated 2016-03-22 04:52:10-04

It's a once in a lifetime concert for the Cuban people and tourists who picked the right week to vacation in Havana.

"Oh my God, we can't wait to be there it's amazing," said Laura Caravaca, a tourist from Madrid, Spain.

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The stage is being set for the first major international rock band to rock Cuba, the one and only Rolling Stones.

"We are making plans already," said Roger Hernandez in Spanish of Havana.

Hernandez says he is excited for Friday's concert at La Ciudad Deportiva in Havana. It's a come one, come all, it's free so they're bringing family and friends.

"It's been a few years since we've seen a Rock and Roll band," said Luis Mesa of Havana and friend of Hernandez.

Tourists' wallets are lucking out.

"If you try and catch them in concert now the tickets are so expensive that it's just impossible," said Alma Sabbah, a tourist from Madrid, Spain.

The venue holds thousands of people. Sabbah says she's not taking any chances, she's getting there early, way early.

"We're going to be camping six in the morning, we're going to be there with our water, our sandwiches. We're not going to miss the Rolling Stones," added Sabbah.

Norman Koko from Belize is visiting Havana for spring break and says it's a great way to close out a week of efforts to end the U.S. blockade on Cuba.

"Music transcends all cultural barriers so it's one way of saying we can all listen to the same music and let's love, let's live together in peace and harmony and that's what Rolling Stones brings," said Koko.