Now that the weather is changing there is quite a bit going on everywhere around the country. This weekend though it is time to head South to celebrate the annual festival known as Calle Ocho in Miami. This legendary event is a celebration that culminates the Miami Carnival and takes over the Little Havana neighborhood of Miami, Florida between SW 8th Street and 27th Avenue. The festival is one of the largest in the world, drawing over one million visitors that showcases Pan-American culture.
One of the best and most renowned festivals in the world, Calle Ocho in Miami will celebrate its 40th anniversary this year. The Fiesta marks its origins back to 1978 as it started as a way for Cuban immigrants to express himself and teach about their culture in the community. The festival has grown tremendously over the years and now includes participation from all Latin American countries. Every year the annual festival shuts down 24 blocks of SW 8th Street in order to host dancing, food, drink and over 30 stages of live entertainment from some of the biggest stars on the planet. Stages are spread throughout Little Havana host various styles of Latin music and providing an energy like nothing you have ever experienced. In 1988, the festival set the Guinness World Record with 119,986 people in the world’s longest conga line, while in 1990, a world-record-breaking 10,000-pound piñata was featured. Once again the festival showed up in the Guinness World Record Books for the longest cigar, while in 2008, Calle Ocho broke the record for the most domino players at the event. It is always an event, always exciting and always worth the trip South.
Photo: Insomniac
2017 marks the 40th Annual Calle Ocho Festival or “El Festival de la Calle Ocho,” and it is sure to be the biggest yet. This year will feature international food, Latin flavors, and fantastic entertainment as well. Artists such as CNCO, Karol G, Johnal, Messiah, Wilmer y Miguel, Chacal and more will take to stages throughout the city to showcase their talents. Carlos Manuel, the Celia Cruz All Stars, Kola Loka, Dos Four, Caibo and more will also add to the excitement while providing some amazing entertainment for the weekend. This is going to be something you need to experience, and worth the experience. For more information, dates, times, and more, head over to the official Calle Ocho site now and act fast!
Photo: Freelance Wanderer
Feature Photo: CNN
