MIAMI \u2014 It\u2019s a party with a purpose in the heart of Little Havana \u2014 with the goal of protecting and preserving the community.<\/p>\n
On the last Friday of every month, Calle Ocho transforms into a celebration of music, dancing, art and culture for Viernes Culturales <\/a>\u2014 a monthly event designed to bring people together while keeping the neighborhood\u2019s identity alive.<\/p>\n \u201cWe are having a wonderful time. We are old people but we are enjoying life,\u201d said Elena Estopinai, who visits Viernes Culturales.<\/p>\n Estopinai said the city of Hialeah buses her group to the event every month from a community center.<\/p>\n \u201cThings are less expensive. That\u2019s a big plus. And we can sing, dance and enjoy the friendship,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n \u201cViernes Culturales<\/a> is the one event that unites us all,\u201d said Viernes Culturales interim Director Denise Galvez Turros.<\/p>\n Galvez Turros said the monthly gathering is rooted in connection through culture \u2014 bringing awareness to the area, its rich history and the ongoing effort to protect it. The event has long brought together the neighborhoods surrounding Little Havana, connecting not just Cuban communities, but people and traditions from across Latin America and beyond \u2014 reflected in the food, art and music on display.<\/p>\n \u201cDevelopers are calling it West Brickell. We\u2019re like, \u2018No, this is Little Havana and what unites us is the neighbors and the businesses that care about that. That care about preserving the community,\u2019\u201d said Galvez Turros. \u201cWe decided we\u2019re gonna do this. We\u2019re gonna make sure to give first dibs to the local artists — the local residents of the neighborhood, so that they can show their artistry.\u201d <\/p>\n The plaza outside Domino Park fills with live music, dancing, local vendors and artists during the event.<\/p>\n Annie M, of Futurama Gallery, said the neighborhood\u2019s roots are personal to many who participate.<\/p>\n \u201cI was born and raised in this area. I went to school around here. It\u2019s my home. It\u2019s the heart — you know what I mean?\u201d Annie M said.<\/p>\n Viernes Culturales also features a free monthly walking history tour focused on the neighborhood\u2019s landmarks, stories and cultural significance.<\/p>\n Organizers said the tours help younger generations stay connected to Little Havana\u2019s identity and traditions.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re sharing those stories. Making people care,\u201d Galvez Turros said. \u201cThe next generation — my children, my grandchildren — are gonna care because of those stories we share and that only happens because of Viernes Culturales.\u201d <\/p>\n To submit an idea for What Connects Us, email whatconnectsus@wplg.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n Copyright 2026 by WPLG Local10.com – All rights reserved.<\/p>\n