Mauricio Vicent was the historical correspondent of El PAÍS and Cadena SER in Havana. His work was recognized with numerous awards and he wrote books, directed a film and participated with Juan Padrón in a comic about the island.
In 2011, the Cuban government withdrew his press credential after covering major news events on the island for 20 years. The Cuban regime accused him of offering "a partial and negative image" of the Cuban reality. He was an expert in Cuban music, which he enjoyed writing about.