Located in the heart of Miami, Little Havana is a vibrant neighborhood offering total immersion in Cuban culture. Its history dates back to the 1960s, when the massive influx of Cuban immigrants fleeing Fidel Castro’s revolution transformed the neighborhood. Today, Little Havana is considered the largest Cuban population center outside Cuba. The soul of Little Havana lies in Calle Ocho, the main thoroughfare lined with authentic Cuban restaurants, tempting bakeries, craft stores and lively cafés. This is where the life of the neighborhood is concentrated, where the rhythms of salsa and the scent of Cuban coffee set the pace of the day.
Take a seat on the terrace and enjoy a cafecito, a small espresso served with a cloud of milk foam, as you take in the bustle of the street. Watch the lively games of dominoes being played by Cuban retirees, a tradition firmly rooted in the neighborhood’s culture. Wander in search of street art and admire the colorful frescoes that tell Cuban stories, pay tribute to important personalities and celebrate local culture. In an authentic Cuban restaurant, enjoy a traditional dish such as ropa vieja, a shredded beef stew. Don’t forget to round off your meal with a pastelito, a flaky pastry filled with guava paste.
While Little Havana remains true to its Cuban roots, the neighborhood is also home to a diverse population, giving it a unique multicultural atmosphere. New art galleries, trendy bars and innovative restaurants are emerging, breathing new energy into this historic neighborhood.
Little Havana was visited on March 5, 2020.
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