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Two cities thousands of miles apart celebrated the culture, history and traditions that connect them. During a special Family Day on Oct. 4, Miami Dade College\u2019s National Historic Landmark Freedom Tower bridged Miami and Madrid through an afternoon of music, dance, theater, fashion and interactive cultural experiences.\u00a0<\/p>\n
At the heart of Madrid-Miami Celebrando la Hispanidad was a live international connection to the Cabalgata de la Hispanidad 2026 in Madrid. The parade traveled along the city\u2019s historic Gran V\u00eda and featured 15 floats and delegations representing 23 nationalities. The broadcast brought the celebration in Spain to audiences inside the Freedom Tower, while Miami\u2019s programming and festivities were shared with viewers across the Atlantic.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Freedom Tower became a beautiful bridge between Miami and Madrid today,\u201d said MDC President Madeline Pumariega. \u201cThere could be no more meaningful place for this celebration than the Freedom Tower, a place that embodies Miami\u2019s history and reminds us how culture and heritage connect generations and transcend borders.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
More than 2,000 people gathered for the free family celebration, emceed by Telemundo 51 journalist Gloria Ordaz, at a landmark known for connecting Miami\u2019s past and present. Built in 1925 as the headquarters of The Miami News, the Freedom Tower later served as the Cuban Refugee Center, assisting hundreds of thousands of Cubans seeking asylum from 1962 to 1974.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Benjam\u00edn Le\u00f3n Jr., a Cuban American businessman and U.S. ambassador to Spain and Andorra, joined Comunidad de Madrid President Isabel D\u00edaz Ayuso and Pumariega in opening the celebration, which recognized the nation\u2019s 250th anniversary and Spain\u2019s role in American history.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI am grateful to the Community of Madrid for recognizing this important anniversary by inviting the United States to be the country of honor in the Community\u2019s annual Festival de la Hispanidad,\u201d Le\u00f3n said. He called the live video connection between Miami and Madrid \u201ca perfect example of the living ties between the people of the United States and Spain.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Against that historic backdrop, music, movement and cultural exchange filled the Freedom Tower\u2019s galleries and gathering spaces.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Performances and hands-on activities immersed visitors in Hispanic heritage. New World School of the Arts opened the program with Teatro Real\u2019s 60-piece orchestra, followed by traditional castanets and Spanish guitar performances. A family-friendly presentation inspired by Don Quijote led into Las Gitanillas\u2019 flamenco performance, which invited children and families to participate. Hora Loca and salsa closed the celebration.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The traditions on display weren\u2019t just part of the past; they continue to bring people together in South Florida and beyond.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cFrom Madrid to Miami, our histories may begin in different places, but today we celebrated all that brings us together,\u201d Pumariega said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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