Get On Your Feet

Growing up in Miami most people knew it as simply the Calle Ocho Festival, but now that one day of food and entertainment is part of a much bigger celebration of everything Latin — Carnaval Miami!

The festivities began Feb. 11 with the crowning of Miss Carnaval Miami. It will be followed on March 4-5 by Carnaval on the Mile, which takes place on Miracle Mile in Coral Gables. At each end of “the Mile” there will be two large stages that will feature everything from jazz, funk and rock music. The event centers around Artist Village, where more than 200 artists will be selling crafts, jewelry, paintings, sculptures and photography.

From March 6-8 dominoes enthusiasts from around the country will gather for a two-day competition to take place at, where else, Miami’s famed Domino Park.

No longer restricted to Southwest Eighth Street, Calle Ocho is now 15 street blocks in Miami’s Little Havana that come alive with music, food, dancing and entertainment for the entire family. Previous performers have included Pitbull, Celia Cruz, Tito Puente Jr. and Gloria Estefan.

It’s a tradition that has taken place for 46 years and attracts more than one million attendees.

Carnaval Miami is sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Little Havana and its proceeds benefit the Kiwanis of Little Havana Foundation.

Visit carnavalmiami.com