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Three Guys From Miami
Little Havana
Walk of Stars

Glenn: The Little Havana Paseo de las Estrellas or "Walk of Stars" is like the one in Hollywood only with Latin American actors, musicians, writers and so on. It can be found at 16th Avenue. Look for celebrities like Gloria Estefan, Julio Iglesias, Thalia, and Maria Conchita Alonso.

Raúl: One area that still holds a special place in my heart is Memorial Boulevard at the corner of 13th Avenue, a parkway that celebrates the history and culture of Cuba with several monuments.
Monument
Memorial Blvd
Glenn: There's the large Island of Cuba Memorial and the Memorial Flame, which honors the heroes who fought at the Bay of Pigs.
Eternal Flame

Jorge: There's also a statue of Jose Marti, a poet and revolutionary against Spain who is much beloved by all Cubans.

Raúl: Don't forget the Antonio Maceo memorial. He was "El Titan de Bronce," and a true hero in the war of independence from Spain.

Domino Park
Maximo Gomez Park
Glenn: One of the most famous sites on Calle Ocho is Domino Park (officially "Maximo Gomez Park," named after a famous Cuban revolutionary war hero) is filled each day, mostly with the older generation playing dominoes -- and also chess. There was a time in the 1980s when local merchants actually wanted to close the park permanently. There was a lot of drug dealing in those days.
Jorge Plays Dominoes

Jorge: Thankfully, that has all been cleaned up and now the park is very well run and managed.

Glenn: We should note that the guys who come here to play dominoes or chess have never been very comfortable about being tourist attractions. These are just neighborhood guys out to have a good time -- not to pose for pictures.

Raúl: You should always ask before you take any pictures of people here. And don't be surprised if you are politely refused.

Jorge: So take your pictures of the park from the outside if you want to.

Raúl: One interesting site is a mural in the park: "The Presidents of the Americas" commemorates the Summit of the Americas that was held in Miami in '93.

Domino Masters
Ceiba tree in 1984
Raúl takes a picture of Jorge & wife Mary at the Ceiba tree in 1984.
Glenn: The ceiba tree on Memorial Boulevard is a frequent site of Santeria (and related religions) offerings. If you see any, look but don't touch. It's considered very bad luck (not to mention very bad manners) to disturb these offerings!
Ceiba Tree 20 years later
The same tree 20 years later.

Jorge: The last, and possibly the best reason left to visit Calle Ocho happens just once each year.

Glenn: The Calle Ocho festival has to be the largest Hispanic festival in the United States. It attracts hundreds of thousands of people.

Raúl: You'll see many, many people eating, dancing, and listening to Cuban music.

Jorge: All the big Latin stars perform there: Gloria Estefan, Luis Miguel, Julio Iglesias, Juan Gabriel, Celia Cruz, Willy Chirino, The Barrio Boys, Oscar de Leon and many more.

Glenn: They're in the Guinness Book of World Records. In 1998, they got 119,000 people joined into the world's longest conga line!

Raúl: Food and drink stands line the streets and the smells and tastes are wonderful. Once a year, Cubans from all over Miami return to their roots.

Block Party
The biggest party in Miami happens just once each year.
Photo Courtesy Kiwanis Club of Little Havana.
The Details
Viernes Cultural
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DRESS: Casual

HOURS: Last Friday of every month, 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM

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Little Havana Shopping
Lily's Records
La Gran Via
Little Havana To Go
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El Sol de Miami
Tosca Bakery
El Bisel
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Tropical Supermarket
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Little Havana Restaurants
El Rey De Las Fritas
Exquisito Restaurant
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Casa Panza
I Love Calle Ocho
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El Pub Restaurant
Tete Restaurant
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El Cristo
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Rocio Cafeteria
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Taqueria el Mexicano
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Little Havana Cigars
El Titan de Bronze
El Credito
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Little Havana Cigar
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The week-long Carnaval Miami festival culminates with a huge block party and is held each year in March.

Calle Ocho 2005 will be held on Sunday, March 13, 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM.

Take exit 25 off the Florida Turnpike onto SW Eighth Street. Many people let you park in their yards for about $10 for the day. There is no admission charge to the festival.

For complete information: Carnaval Miami 

Tower Arts Center
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There's More! Read On:

Calle Ocho Page 1 | Calle Ocho Page 2 | Calle Ocho Page 3 | Calle Ocho Page 4 | Calle Ocho Page 5

Calle Ocho Page 6 | Calle Ocho Map

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