Little Havana

Little Havana is part of the heart of Miami. It is an ethnic district in Miami where many Cuban immigrants live. It got its name from Cuba's capital and largest city from which Cuban immigrants have migrated from Cuba because of the closeness in proximity. Little Havana is compromised of a vibrant Hispanic culture. It is like stepping into a different world with the smell of Cuban coffee and a hint of Cuban cigars, Little Havana is full of unique storefronts, art galleries, and Cuban cafes.

Little Havana is comparable to being in a storybook that takes you right through another time that is set in old time Cuba. The exact location of Little Havana is on 8th Street or as they call it Calle Ocho between 12th and 27th Avenues. You will know if you happen to stumble upon it because you will feel like you entered a different time warp. Once you arrive the best thing to do is to start eating because here you will get the best authentic Cuban food around unless you go directly into Cuba. One of the most famous cafes in Little Havana id El Pub because it has awesome Cuban cuisine, a great atmosphere, and hours of entertainment just looking at the Cuban collectibles and memorabilia that has brought these Cuban migrants to Miami and led to where Cuba stands politically to this day.

Walk past Domino Park in Little Havana where you can count on catching a glimpse of old school Cubans enjoying a game of dominoes or chess which is something that they do daily. Nearby is a memorial park where tributes are placed in remembrance to the fallen Cuban heroes. The monuments are plentiful and you will find a very large tree with memorials around it. Locals will be the first to tell you never to touch the offerings because it is considered to be very back luck in the eyes of the Cubans. If at all possible try to plan your trip to Little Havana at the end of the month. The last Friday of each month is known as Viernes Culturales or Cultural Friday. What you will find during this time is a huge Latin street party where there are music, dancing, performers in the street, food, local artists, and theaters. This is not an adult only event but rather one that the whole family is included in. Although this takes place at the end of each month, the grand daddy of all parties is hosted in Little Havana in March. This one is known as the biggest street party in the country. Usually about a million people from across the globe come to join in this event.

This event is a huge deal for those in Little Havana with media coverage and they have even found a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records for the longest conga line. Many Latin performers come to perform during this one day event because they find comfort in returning to their roots even if it is just for a little while.

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