Carnaval Miami
The Largest Hispanic Party in the U.S.

Carnaval Miami Tablao	Dominoes	Calle 8 Street Sign

The Miami Carnaval like many people call it, is a must for Hispanic culture lovers. It is the biggest Hispanic carnival in the U.S. that allows you to party Latin style.

It is a 10-day celebration generally during the month of March that attracts more than one and a half million visitors to South Florida every year and encompasses typical Hispanic food, concerts, sports, culinary competitions, a live Jazz festival, art, and dancing (especially salsa en la Calle Ocho Festival) for the enjoyment of residents and tourists alike.

Tons of Activities To Enjoy...

This "carnaval" has plenty of activities for everbody. The event starts with the selection of “Miss Carnaval Miami” and her court. The judges select her among many participants who compete for scholarship awards.

The premier domino tournament in Miami happens at the Carnaval Miami and is held at Domino Park. Of course there is a Latin food feast after the tournament to indulge your senses.

“An Evening of Indulgence” is a night where the carnival mixes fine arts and culinary expertise by bringing together well known local artists with celebrity chefs during an interactive dinner.

Dominoes on Calle 8
Picture by Bnito Denise

For the golf lovers Carnaval Miami has a carnival-flavored golf tournament where local business executives participate every year.

A great cooking contest is also part of the events in the Miami Carnaval where famous chef Jack Pepin plays the role of Master of Ceremony. Celebrity judges choose the winner based on presentation, flavor and originality of the dish.

If you are into Jazz the “Carnaval on The Mile” offers a Latin Jazz series of concerts that runs from Friday to Sunday. Did I mention admission is free? Yes, and that is not all, the entire family can also enjoy movies under the stars, and music all in a safe environment.

Typical Plate of Arroz Con Pollo
Picture by Chef daíz

There is an 8-kilometers race that started in 1982 in Miami's “Little Havana” and includes many participants from different ages under several categories like men & women, high school, college, etc. When the race is over a typical “arroz con pollo” cookout follows which makes this race a unique experience

But the most incredible celebration happens at the culmination of the “carnaval” with the “Calle Ocho Festival” which is a street party that more than 1 million people attend. This party is well known for its music where top Hispanic artists perform at every street intersection at the designated stages.

History of Carnaval Miami

In the 1960s Cuban refugees began settling around Miami's “Calle Ocho” and another major influx of Cubans occurred during the Mariel boatlift of 1980. “Calle Ocho” became “Little Havana," the perfect spot to enjoy any Cuban food, music, art, and even “botanicas” –places that sell the products for Santeria.-

It would take Cubans 18 years after their arrival in 1960 to invite the neighborhood to know more about Cuban culture.

Little did they know the 15,000 people they were expecting on the first day the "carnaval" was celebrated would turn out to be 100,000. That was the start of “Carnaval Miami” in 1978.

The non-profit civic club “Kiwanis Club of Little Havana” is the main sponsor. Did you know that the money generated by the “carnaval” goes towards educational, sports and outreach programs? It is a noble cause all in the name of fun!

This festivity evolved from being a “Cuban Carnaval” to a total Hispanic experience that includes customs, music, foods, and events rooted in Hispanic Central and South American countries.

Next time you think about enjoying the sunshine state stop by in March when “Carnaval Miami” happens and transforms Miami into another world, the vibrant and lively world of Hispanic Culture!

Carnaval Miami 2010