When you think of Miami, FL, you probably think of the gorgeous beaches and vibrant culture of the city. From the world-famous nightclubs, five-star restaurants, and miles of beautiful beaches, Miami is full of heat and excitement. There is a strong presence of Latin culture in Miami, so it’s no surprise that one of the biggest events of the year is Carnaval Miami.
You may have heard of Carnaval, which is celebrated particularly in South America and the Caribbean. The largest and most famous Carnaval celebration is held in Rio de Janiero, Brazil. Carnaval celebrations typically include music, dancing, drinking, and non-stop fun. Miami, Florida, hosts a Carnaval every year, and this year it will take place from March 4 to the 12, with numerous Carnaval events happening during that week. However, the event you can’t miss is the main event, Calle Ocho Open House, which will take place on March 12th.
Calle Ocho
Calle Ocho Open House is a large festival that takes over the little Havana district of Miami. You’ll be in awe of the full of musical stages, international food, non-stop dancing, sampling sites and family entertainment to celebrate life and all Hispanic ethnicities. The event takes place along 23 blocks of Southwest Eighth Street ( Calle Ocho ) with 40 stages set up with nothing but live music. Get ready to dance, because everyone will be doing it. There are also over 600 vendors of authentic Hispanic food, along with the Miss Carnaval Miami beauty contest, a parade with floats, limbo dancers, samba groups, steel bands straight from the Caribbean, a great laser display, beautiful fireworks, and many concerts of famous international singers.
Schedule
- 36th Annual Miss Carnaval Miami
February 11
Manuel Artime Theater
- Annual Carnaval on the Mile
March 4 – 5 19th
Downtown Coral Gables (Alhambra Circle)
- 2nd Annual Cork & Fork
March 4 – 5
Location TBD
- 36th Annual Carnaval Miami Cooking Contest
March 7
Location TBD
- 36th Annual Carnaval Miami Domino Tournament
March 8
Domino Park
- 36th Annual Carnaval Miami Golf Classic
March 9
Miami International Links
- Carnaval Live! Gala
March 10
Jungle Island
- 40th Annual Calle Ocho Festival
March 12
SW 12th to 27th Avenue
Have you ever been to Carnaval Miami? Are you planning on going this year? We’d love to hear about it in the comments below! If you’re interested in attending Carnaval Miami, be sure to see the contact information below:
Carnaval Miami
Kiwanis of Little Havana
701 S.W. 27 Ave., Ste. 900
Miami, FL 33135
305-644-8888; fax: 305-644-8693
www.carnavalmiami.com
