Carnaval Miami

Carnaval Miami

First two full weeks in MarchCarnaval is the biggest event in Miami, Fla., honoring Hispanic culture. Held since 1938, it is estimated that one million people attend each year. The highlight and grand finale of the festival is the famous Calle Ocho Open House. This is non-stop, wall-to-wall entertainment along 23 blocks of Southwest Eighth Street ( Calle Ocho ): 40 stages with more than 200 troupes offering live music, dancing, and folkloric performances. There are more than 600 vendors of ethnic food. Other events are the Miss Carnaval Miami beauty contest; a grand paseo or parade with floats; limbo dancers, samba groups, and steel bands from the Caribbean; a footrace; a laser display; fireworks; and concerts of international stars.
CONTACTS:
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