Calle Ocho Festival is a popular event that takes place in Miami on the 8th street. The festival features live music, food, and artisans from all over Latin America. It has been running for more than 20 years and there are free events as well as paid ones.
There is also a parade on the Sunday before Thanksgiving Day, which is one of the most anticipated days of the year for many people here in Miami. Calle Ocho Festival was founded by Cuban exiles to celebrate their heritage and share it with others who may not be aware of what this culture entails. It’s an important time to learn about different cultures and traditions through dancing, music, and delicious food!
People of all ages and backgrounds come together to celebrate the Miami tradition. This is a time to enjoy friends, food, music, and most importantly, each other. The festival was founded in 1984 by Cuban exiles living in Miami who wanted to create an event that would bring people from different cultures closer together. This year will be the 42nd anniversary of this much-loved celebration!
The Calle Ocho Music Festival, the largest Latin-themed music festival in the country is held annually at the Thompson A. Sullivan Park in Miami, Florida, this festival attracts over 150, 000 people each year to enjoy live entertainment from more than 40 different musical acts. Highlights of this year’s festival include performances by Cuban-Canadian singer Yandel and famed Cuban pianist Roberto Fonseca.
What is Calle Ocho known for?
Calle Ocho is the nickname for 8th Street in Miami, Florida. It’s known as a cultural hub of sorts because it houses many Latin American restaurants and shops. The street runs from NE 2nd Avenue to NE 20th Ave, but most people are familiar with Calle Ocho between SW 1st Ave and NE 3rd Ave. This area has been designated an “art district” since 2007 because it has given way to many art galleries opening up on its streets.
How is the Calle Ocho festival celebrated?
Calle Ocho is a Cuban tradition that takes place every year on the 8th of March. The festival celebrates and honors Cuba’s independence from Spain and marks the end of Spanish colonialism in Cuba. This day has been celebrated since 1844 when it was first declared an annual public holiday by the revolutionary government at the time.
Calle Ocho is celebrated with parades, carnival rides, music, food stands, and special events such as boat tours to see Havana from a different perspective. Calle Ocho originated in Miami but now has spread across North America where celebrations take place each year on this date even though they’re all inspired by the same story – celebrating freedom!
Calle Ocho Festival and Carnaval Miami 2022
Event dates: March 13th, 2022
Carnaval on the Mile
≡ FREE Event – March 13th, 2022
Carnaval on the Mile, one of the most popular events to take place in Coral Gables closes off the entire length of Miracle Mile for weekend-long music, art, and food festival. There will be three stages with live music to showcase more than 30 musical groups playing Jazz, Latin Funk, Caribbean rhythms, and more. Performers include Ozomatli from Los Angeles, Red Baraat from New York, Shamarr Allen & the Underdawgs, Tiempo Libre, Spam All Stars, Suenalo, Locos Por Juana, and many more. Don’t miss this all-day festival with something for everyone.
Calle Ocho Festival
≡ FREE Event – March 13th, 2022
The Calle Ocho Festival, also known as “El Festival de la Calle Ocho,” is a one-day “rumba” or fiesta that marks the end of the Miami Carnaval. Every year in March, between 8th and 27th Avenues, along Southwest 8th Street, this event takes place. We are talking about 19 blocks along “Calle Ocho” in Little Havana, with activities and celebrations for every member of the family.
It was the first place where many Cubans settled when they immigrated to America. The name of the street translates to “Eighth Street” in English and this area has become known for its large Cuban population and Latin culture.
Calle Ocho is home to many different cultures including Afro-Cuban, Chinese Cuban (Chino de Cuba), Colombian, Dominican Republic, Haitian/Haitian American (Republica Haitiana) Jamaican (Jamaicano), Mexican, Guatemalan (Guatemalteco), Puerto Rican (Puerto Rico/Porto Ricano) and Spanish. These cultures are celebrated through food festivals like Calle Ocho’s.
Which foods and drinks are typical for the Calle Ocho festival?
The menu always has authentic rice dishes such as arroz con pollo (chicken with yellow rice) or arroz blanco (white rice). The starchy staple can also be prepared with seafood like shrimp or lobster.
There are also several variations of black beans to choose from including callalas or frijoles negros. For dessert there is typically pastelitos decrema or flan.
How long does the Calle Ocho festival last?
The festival takes place over the course of eight days, from March 2nd to March 9th. It has been celebrated annually since 1980 in Miami, Florida. The event was started by local residents as an opportunity for Cubans living abroad to feel connected with their homeland and they have ever since welcomed visitors from all over the world.
Over time it has grown into one of the largest festivals in America, attracting more than 1 million people each year who come together to eat delicious food, celebrate their cultures through music and dance, take part in games like dominoes or bingo at carnival booths on Calle Ocho Boulevard.
Featured Performers for 2022
Gloria Estefan, Camilo, Jessi Uribe, Jorge Celedón, and Bobby Pulido are among the newcomers to the Hispanic Heritage Month virtual event. Mau y Ricky, Ivy Queen, who is doing an epic virtual duet with the late Celia Cruz, and Tito Puente, Jr., who is singing a virtual duet with his late all-star father Tito Puente, are among the previously announced Calle Ocho Live monarchs.
For more information about venues, schedules, and musical stages please check: Calle 8 Festival
Look Back at Calle Ocho Festival and Carnaval Miami 2019
