Characterized by distinctive restaurants, small business enterprises, music, unique attractions and other cultural activities, the Little Havana neighborhood has become one of the top destinations in Miami, Florida. The collective identity of the neighborhood has created numerous opportunities that have defined the economy and culture of the entire neighborhood in a way that resonates for both residents and visitors.
The Heart of the Cuban Dispora
Little Havana became the heart of Miami’s Cuban diaspora in the 1960s when the concentration of Cubans in the area grew sharply. It established a reputation as the cultural and political capital of Cuban Americans, allowing it to serve as the center of the Cuban exile community. This reputation and reality have defined the culture and economy of the entire neighborhood in a way that can be seen on multiple levels.
Centered around Calle Ocho (Southwest Eighth Street), the Little Havana Welcome Center provides visitors with a specific destination as well as a variety of items to purchase. Other landmarks in Little Havana include Domino Park and the Calle Ocho Walk of Fame.
The power of the identity that the neighborhood has cultivated is evident beyond these major attractions though. Numerous establishments have the name “Little Havana” in them while others use this identity to create compelling and authentic experiences.
Rooster sculptures and colorful murals fill the area, providing the entire neighborhood with an additional means of identity. These giant rooster statues are located all along Calle Ocho and have become symbols for the community. Begun in 2002 as a project that aimed to build on efforts to celebrate the neighborhood’s culture, many businesses would end up commissioning their own rooster sculptures.
Events of all types take place throughout the year across Little Havana, including the Calle Ocho Festival as well as Viernes Culturales/Cultural Fridays. Appealing to both residents and visitors, these events and happenings are in addition to free and paid walking tours that provide various members of a community with a direct source of revenue.
In 2017, the National Trust for Historic Preservation declared Little Havana as a national treasure, further highlighting the value of the identity that Little Havana has created. This value is evident across the neighborhood and the entire city of Miami.
Defining a Cultural Destination
Mentioned as part of what makes Miami such a dynamic cultural destination, the identity that Little Havana has cultivated can be seen in various ways throughout the neighborhood and beyond. Doing so has enabled countless opportunities that positively impact the present and future of individuals and organizations all across the neighborhood.
