In Miami is a small, but significant part of the island of Cuba: Little Havana. It is one of the most recognized neighborhoods and main center of Latino culture in the city. Formerly known as Riverside, Little Havana became a refuge for thousands of Cuban immigrants who arrived in Florida in the 60’s (George, 2019). As Miami expanded, the families that inhabited the area moved to the suburbs. In this way, they gave way to the Cubans who gradually settled in the area (Pantin, n.d.).
Touring the streets of Little Havana
Walking through the streets of Little Havana is to live an experience of folk music and salsa as background music. An adventure with aromas of coffee and tobacco, and flavors of authentic Cuban and Latin American cuisine.
Join us to explore the corners of this particular neighborhood, to discover what makes it so special. In addition, we tell you what its tourist attractions are and where to find them. Started?
Calle Ocho: the heart of Little Havana
Little Havana revolves around the popular Calle 8, also known as SW 8th Street. And it is that there are not only concentrated the most representative and iconic sites of the neighborhood, but also an experience of the Cuban lifestyle and the culture of Latin America. If you want to feel closer to the Caribbean island, you can visit the greengrocers, cafes, restaurants, parks and cigar shops. Here an air of nostalgia is transmitted that evokes the authentic streets and premises of Havana.
The Little Havana Walk of Fame
In the best Hollywood Walk of Fame style, between 12th and 17th Avenues of Calle 8 is the Little Havana Walk of Fame. This tour pays tribute to Cuban artists such as Andy García, Gloria Estefan and Celia Cruz (La Vanguardia, 2020).
But personalities such as Thalía, José Luis Rodríguez El Puma and Julio Iglesias are also honored. You can not miss this walk, since there are some of the most outstanding stars of Hispanic talent.
Time to play in Little Havana
Don’t be surprised by the noise of chips colliding or hundreds of voices intermingling on Calle 8 and Avenida 15. There is Domino Park, a place where neighborhood veterans gather to play unforgettable games of chess and dominoes (Díaz, 2015).
Nor do you be surprised if you realize that the rules for players are quite strict, because in Little Havana they take it quite seriously. This tradition that has been kept alive for decades is the perfect setting for tourists and locals to witness the rivalry and camaraderie in one place.
Afternoons and evenings at the theatre
If you’re looking for a memorable experience, you should check out the Tower Theater at 1508 SW 8th St. This historic stage built in 1926 was popularized by its matinees and special Saturday events.
Thanks to the massive arrival of Cubans, in the early 1960s it was the first theater to add Spanish subtitles to films in Miami (Pantin, n.d.). Today it is considered an art house and is operated by Miami Dade College. His specialty? The screening of foreign language films with English subtitles and English-speaking films with Spanish subtitles.
More tourist attractions in Little Havana
To make your visit to Little Havana even more memorable, you can’t miss visiting:
- Bay of Pigs Museum. Located at 1821 SW 9th St., it offers a comprehensive exhibit on the 1961 invasion of Cuba and gives the museum its name.
- Plaza de la Cubanidad. On the corner of West Flagler Streetand 17th Avenue is this plaza, built in memory of Cuban rafters and patriots.
- Cuban Memorial Boulevard. A 4-block tour of Calle 8 that exposes monuments dedicated to those who fought for the freedom of Cuba.
It’s time to stay near Little Havana
After this tour you are probably thinking about a great idea: staying definitely near Little Havana. If you choose to do so, you’ll be surrounded by financial and cultural landmarks like Downtown Miami, Wynwood, and Miami Design District.
Do not forget that acquiring a property in Miami is protecting your capital, investing in the future and guaranteeing your peace of mind. The city of the sun is a dynamic market in constant evolution that has a life of its own. Don’t miss the opportunity and make Miami your home.
Bibliography
George, P. (January 31, 2019). Riverside, First neighborhood of Little Havana, Pate II. Ocho News Street. Retrieved from: https://calleochonews.com/es/riverside-primer-vecindario-de-la-pequena-habana-parte-ii/
Pantin, L. (undated). Undeniably Latino: explore 12 historic sites in Little Havana. Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau. Retrieved from: https://www.miamiandbeaches.lat/cosas-para-hacer/historia-y-patrimonio/12-historic-sites-in-little-havana
La Vanguardia (February 8, 2020). Little Havana, the Miami with the most Latin flavor. La Vanguardia. Retrieved from: https://www.lavanguardia.com/ocio/viajes/20200208/473300139627/little-havana-miami-sabor-latino.html
Díaz, C. (July 18, 2015) El Parque del Dominó: symbol of Little Havana and its people. El Nuevo Herald. Retrieved from: https://www.elnuevoherald.com/noticias/sur-de-la-florida/article27682507.html
George, P. (August 3, 2019). The Tower Theater in Little Havana. Ocho News Street. Retrieved from: https://calleochonews.com/es/teatro-tower/