Cultural Fridays in Miami's Historic Little Havana

In Miami locals like myself have the amazing opportunity to immerse themselves in many different cultures. "Viernes Culturales," -or Cultural Fridays in English- is a celebration of being able to do just that. The event takes place in the epicenter of Miami's ethnic diversity, Little Havana. On the last Friday of every month you can enjoy free art and music while strolling the streets of Calle Ocho with a Mojito and a hand-rolled cigar.

Little Havana has come to fame over the last four decades as being Florida's Ellis Island. Hundreds and perhaps thousands of people from Cuba, Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala and other countries made this their first home while they chase the American Dream. Over the last few decades it has been the center of political protests, cultural events, marches, music, museums, and cuisine. With its beautiful antiquated buildings, the Maximo Dominguez park where colorful Cuban seniors play dominoes, and the many cafeterias where animated conversations ensue over a cortadito, Little Havana is a truly a Miami icon.

On the last Friday of every month beginning at 6:30pm and ending at 11, the iconic Little Havana blocks off it's streets for a cultural celebration. The event features outdoor musical performances, art exhibits along the sidewalks and plazas, open art galleries throughout the area, a myriad of little bars, and local cuisine at participating restaurants. If a taste of history is a little more to your liking this monthly festival also offers walking tours of Little Havana and education exhibits at the historic Tower Theater. For the art lovers, there are 13 galleries of well known Cuban and Latin American artists in addition to local lesser known artists along the sidewalks. Cigar aficionados will also find their fancy in the plethora of little cigar bars found in the area.

Having called Miami home all my life, I can honestly say that attending this festival was a gift. Not only was I able to learn about my own Cuban heritage, I was also able to learn about many others. Dancing to salsa music and enjoying a bistec empanizado with moros brought back childhood memories of my grandparents dancing to Beny More while they cook. However, the event is not only for those of Hispanic heritage. On the contrary, this festival attracts over 70,000 visitors and tourists a year and is only expected to get bigger.

Cultural Fridays is geared toward an audience that enjoys art and culture, whether they are locals or globe trotters. It sets out to celebrate the ethnic diversity that has become a huge part of Miami's life blood. Furthermore, since Cultural Fridays is educational, fun, and inexpensive, it is the perfect event for the out of town visitor wanting to get a little taste of Miami outside of the South Beach tourist scene. So if you want a night of dancing, culture, cuisine, and history do not forget to stop by Little Havana's Cultural Fridays in the heart of Miami. With that being said, I am off to get myself some café con leche and Cuban bread.

For more information on Little Havana's Cultural Fridays please visit : http://www.viernesculturales.org