Travel through the 8 wonders of Calle Ocho
If you’ve been to Miami but have yet to make a pit stop in Calle Ocho, then you are clearly missing out. Calle Ocho (Eighth…
VOXXI takes you through the many wonders found in Miami’s Calle Ocho, a focal point of the Cuban community in the Floridian city. (Photo: Shutterstock)
If you’ve been to Miami but have yet to make a pit stop in Calle Ocho, then you are clearly missing out.
Calle Ocho (Eighth Street) is located in the Miami neighborhood known as Little Havana, named after Cuba’s capital. The neighborhood is also home to many Cuban, Central and South American immigrant residents.
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The popular street has become one of Miami’s best tourist spots throughout the years. Why? Because it’s characterized as a center of social, cultural and political activity in Miami.
There are many hidden gems in the wonderful Calle Ocho, including landmarks such as its Walk of Fame featuring Celia Cruz, Willy Chirino and Gloria Estefan, the Cuban Memorial Boulevard, Plaza de la Cubanidad and others.
Must we mention its robust street life, restaurants, mom and pop shops and vibrant ambiance? Forget South Beach –at least for now– and travel through the eight wonders of Calle Ocho.
1) Los Gallos
Keep an eye out for los gallos (the roosters). They are found in almost every corner of eight street, and not all are the same.
Rooster with the cuban and the american flags next to a sign marking the entrance to Little Havana (Photo: Shutterstock)
2) “Cafecito Time”
It’s not a complete Calle Ocho experience without stopping by a cafeteria for some “cafecito” (coffee). Coffee for 75 cents? I’m sold!
Typical Coffee Shop window in Little Havana circa July 2012 in Miami, during “cultural fridays” an artistic, cultural, and social fair that takes place monthly. (Photo: Shutterstock)
3) Iconic murals
Murals capturing the best of Cuban and Latin American pop culture, decorate the many walls of Calle Ocho.
Street painting portraying several famous cuban musicians and cultural icons in Little Havana. (Photo: Shutterstock)
4) The Tower Theater
Built in 1926, the Tower Theater is known as one of Miami’s cultural landmarks. Many film festivals are still held at the facility.
Sign of Tower Theater in Little Havana circa July 2012 in Miami, during “cultural fridays” an artistic, cultural, and social fair that takes place monthly in Little Havana (Photo: Shutterstock)
5) Dominos Park
Why not take a break from all the walking and sit down for an authentic game of dominos at the Dominos Park?
Little Havana’s famous Domino Park on Calle Ocho (Photo: Wikimedia Common)
6) Handmade cigars
And how about those fine handmade cigars at the Little Havana Cigar Factory?
Handmade cigar factory in Little Havana, Miami (Photo: Shutterstock)
7) Cubaocho Art and Research Center
Catch a bit of Cuban art history at the Cubaocho Art and Research Center. It’s home to the many artworks created between 1850 and 1958 by various Cuban plastic arts masters.
The Cubaocho art center in Little Havana (Photo: Shutterstock)
8) “Viernes Culturales” and Calle Ocho Festival
And nothing calls for a party like the many street pachangas held at Calle Ocho. For instance, its monthly “Viernes Cultural,” held the last Friday of every month and its annual Calle Ocho festival.
A crowd of people gathered at the “Calle Ocho Carnival” March 13, 2005 in Miami Florida. (Photo: Shutterstock)
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That wraps up the many wonders found on Calle Ocho. But before you head back home, don’t forget to buy something for all your loved ones at Havana’s Official Souvenir shop –a guayabera for dad, perhaps?
Typical cuban souvenirs shop in Little Havana (Photo: Shutterstock)
