Say “Hola” to Cuban Culture in Little Havana

Hispanic culture permeates everything in Little Havana - colorful murals, monuments to heroes past and present, elderly men playing dominoes as they discuss politics and cigar rollers deep at work amidst Little Havana's ever-present aroma of Cuban coffee. These scenes of daily life in Little Havana play out amidst a backdrop of pulsating traditional Cuban and Afro-Cuban music, storefronts, unique art galleries and quaint typical restaurants.

Little Havana landmarks include: Calle Ocho (just west of Brickell Avenue and Downtown), the main drag of Little Havana, where fruit stands, art galleries, Cuban restaurants and cigar shops line the avenue, and Walkway of the Stars, which honors Latin American celebrities including Gloria Estefan and Celia Cruz.

Maximo Gomez Domino Park is a landmark on Calle Ocho and is always full of neighborhood domino players - usually older men, who have mastered the game over years of practice. Named after the famous soldier Maximo Gomez, who fought for Cuban independence from Spain, Domino Park sits on the corner of Calle Ocho and 15th Avenue. It is surrounded by shops and restaurants. The park is free and opened to the public during sunlight hours, and you're sure to find a loud, spirited domino game going on at any time of day.

Another landmark on Calle Ocho, the Tower Theatre, sits right next to Domino Park. Originally built in 1926, this cultural and historical landmark has had many lives. It was originally a movie theater. In the 1950s and 60s it became a performance center and entertained hundreds of Cubans, who had just fled their homes, with shows that felt familiar in an otherwise unfamiliar country. In 2002, it was completely remodeled and reopened as part of Miami Dade College's Cultural Affairs Department and now regularly shows foreign, independent and award winning films in both English and Spanish.

Viernes Culturales

On the last Friday of each month, Little Havana hosts Viernes Culturales, or Cultural Fridays, a free arts and culture festival on Calle Ocho, primarily located between 14th and 17th Avenues. It celebrates the work in visual arts, music and more that the Cubans have preserved so well in Miami.

The monthly festival has been a huge success, as it is a mix of old and new Cuban culture. It draws a diverse crowd of Cuban locals, visitors, young art enthusiasts and anyone looking to get out and have a good time. The night features activities and entertainment such as dancing, dominoes, art galleries, Cuban coffee, cigar rollers and mojitos. Many stores stay open late and several restaurants offer specials from the menu. With activities and entertainment ranging from tango classes to street performers and live music, you'll definitely find something interesting and fun at Viernes Culturales.

For more information, be sure to visit the Little Havana Welcome Center