Have you been to the biggest block party in the USA?
We are talking about the Calle 8 Festival, also known as Carnaval Miami
It all started by the newly arrived Cuban community sharing their culture, music and food
Today it keeps the same spirit, but now it is a big Latin fiesta!
Named after the capital of Cuba, a neighborhood called Little Havana is home of this festive musical and food filled family affair.
This year it took place this Sunday March 10th. If you were here, you will sure come next year, if you didn't then hopefully this will give you a glimpse of the fun to come next year, in March.
More than a block party, “Calle 8” is the largest Latino street party in the nation. It seems as if every year 5 more blocks or so are added to the celebration. This year indeed 5 more have been added.
“Calle 8” celebrates the latin culture. A great opportunity for you to taste delicious latin flavors from the entire hemisphere like empanadas(beef or chicken turnovers) arepas( corn-cakes) the famous Cuban sandwich, and enjoy the best latin music in all its different happy sounds (salsa, merengue, bachata etc). Every rhythm in the Hispanic Americas is here for your hip enjoyment!
It is also a place where Guinness records are broken. Once the longest conga line was recorded and this year in honor of Florida's 500 years there are rumors of a 500 gallon pitcher of sangria
You are sue to find over 300 food vendors and lots of latin bands including well renown artists.
If you join in on the fun, make sure to consider this recommendations:
- wear comfortable clothing since the festival is 16- 20 blocks long.
- protect yourself from the sun: hats, caps, sunglasses, sunblock
-keep hydrated: water, water, water
-try not to bring big or bulky purses or bags
-you will need cash many vendors are not set up for credit cards
-neighbors will be offering to park your car in their front yards and garages, prices will vary according to how near or far they are from the action.
There is not only great food, but also great entertainment for the whole family. Every year thousands of people from all over the world go to “Calle 8” to enjoy what the Latin culture has to offer. Last year over a million where in attendance. It is a family affair so amidst the dancing are many many strollers and kids dancing in the streets, and the usual hours for this event are 11 am to 7pm.
You will get to see dancers, and you might be able to pick up a couple of tips to improve your moves. The best part, admission is free. Don’t miss out the hottest street party of the year.
photocredits: vistaphotos.com
Labels: Calke ocho, festival, hispanic, miami, Travel, Turism
