With no charge for entry, Cuban state media estimated that as many as 500,000 people could cram into Havana's Ciudad Deportiva sports complex -- and thousands more into surrounding streets.

Some slept out overnight to get the best positions. Many others began streaming in more than six hours before the Stones' frontman Mick Jagger was to get the gig started at about 8:30 pm (0030 GMT Saturday).

"We didn't manage to be the first, but from this spot we're sure not to miss a single detail," said Stones fan Swnien Morera, 27.

Police were out in force and an alcohol ban was in place as fans flocked towards the 80-meter (260-foot) stage which is flanked by 10 giant video screens.