Greater Miami and Miami Beach are observing Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, highlighting the influence of Hispanic and Latin American cultures on the region. This year’s celebration coincides with the City of Hialeah’s centennial anniversary, marking 100 years since its founding.
Hialeah, located in Miami-Dade County, is recognized for its population that is over 94% Hispanic and a strong Cuban community. The city has launched hialeah100.com as part of its centennial activities. The website invites residents to share stories and photographs about Hialeah’s history and provides resources for educators to teach about the city’s past. Businesses, organizations, special interest groups, and individuals are encouraged to participate in centennial events through sponsorships and by sharing their memories.
Little Havana remains a central hub for Hispanic culture in Greater Miami. Calle Ocho features ventanitas, cigar shops, art galleries, restaurants, and bars. Ball & Chain is among the area’s historic venues that have hosted performers such as Celia Cruz, Willy Chirino, and Tito Puente Jr. The monthly Viernes Culturales event turns Calle Ocho into a street party with salsa dancing, live music, and Cuban cuisine. Other cultural landmarks include Máximo Gómez Park (Domino Park) and Cubaocho Museum & Performing Arts Center. The Miami Hispanic Cultural Arts Center near the Riverside offers programming in Latin American dance, theater, and music.
The City of Doral hosts the largest concentration of Venezuelans in the United States. Other neighborhoods throughout Greater Miami reflect various Latin American influences including Colombian and Nicaraguan communities in Kendall and West Miami-Dade; an Argentine presence in Miami Beach; and Dominican as well as Central American traditions in Allapattah.
“Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates the traditions, flavors, music and stories that give Greater Miami and Miami Beach its unmistakable character,” said David Whitaker, president and CEO of the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB). “This year, as Hialeah marks 100 years, we honor a century of Hispanic influence and resilience that has shaped our destination’s identity. From the rhythms of our charming neighborhoods to familiar community voices and local traditions, Hispanic heritage is the heartbeat of Greater Miami.”
Local businesses continue family traditions through food across generations. Examples include El Rey De Las Fritas (established after its founders arrived from Cuba in 1979), Vicky Bakery (founded in Hialeah in 1972), La Carreta (opened on Calle Ocho in 1976), Islas Canarias Restaurant (operating since 1977), Sanguich de Miami (modern takes on Cuban classics), Azucar Ice Cream Company (Cuban-inspired flavors), CafĂ© La Trova (live music with Chef Michelle Bernstein), El Palacio de los Jugos (fresh juices across multiple locations), Caracas Bakery (Venezuelan specialties), Antigua Guatemala Restaurant (Central American cuisine), Club TĂpico Dominicano (Dominican food with live music).
The region also features contemporary Latin dining such as Elcielo by Chef Juan Manuel Barrientos in Brickell; Los Fuegos by Francis Mallmann; Cleo by Camila Olarte; Wyn Wyn led by Amado Rodriguez; Verde run by Valeri Fuentes.
Artists like Tony Mendoza—known for cartoon-style depictions of Little Havana—and Lealanie Larach—whose abstract works reflect her Honduran background—are part of the local creative scene alongside institutions like Latin Art Core gallery or Verde Market promoting sustainable shopping.
Nonprofits contribute to cultural preservation: Teatro Avante organizes Spanish-language theater including an annual festival; ArtesMiami supports artists; Doral Voice provides radio programming for Hispanics; Amigos for Kids focuses on child abuse prevention within families.
For more information about events during Hispanic Heritage Month or other cultural experiences throughout Greater Miami & Miami Beach visit MiamiandMiamiBeach.com.
