If any U.S. city evokes La Vida Latina with full color, passion and vibrancy, it's Miami. With a majority Hispanic population ---over two-thirds of Miami's 2.2million inhabitants are of Hispanic descent-Espanol is the unofficial "official" language of this city. Expect to see bi-lingual signs and billboards everywhere and to hear Spanish in every shop, on the beaches, at sidewalk cafes, on the radio-indeed at every touch point as you navigate the city.

And making your way through this city is fun. Here is a city in constant motion; Alive with the pulsating sounds, flamboyant colors and rich aromas of Cuba, Colombia, Nicaragua, Argentina and the Caribbean 24 hours a day.

Night Life

Frenzied and non-stop best describe Miami's nightlife, with neon, strobes and bass flashing and throbbing until dawn. Latin culture dominates, of course, with much of the action revolving around trendy South Beach clubs that are difficult to get into unless you look like a model or can tip like royalty. The famous Tropigala, in the equally famous Fontainebleau Hotel, emulates the supper clubs of the 1950s, with full musical revues featuring scantily clad, heavily bejeweled dancers. Some popular Cuban performers, such as Willy Chirino often perform here, and it can be a fun night out on the town.
Another night spot that evokes nostalgic feelings of Old Cuba is Bongo's, the café owned by Gloria Estefan. At night, Bongo's morphs into a sizzling dance club, packed with beautiful people and blaring Latin music

Musica

The heart of Miami beats with the rhythms of congo drums, guitars, claves, guiros, maracas, marimbas and Latin brass. Music in Miami, whether live or over the air waves, is predominately Hispanic.

Hispanic radio stations almost outnumber English language stations, and the number one rated radio station in the area is a Latin romantica music station. Since the 1940s, the music and dances of Latin America have permeated American culture, with Miami both an entry point and a mixing pot. Dances and dance music from the islands, especially Cuba are finely woven into the fabric of the city. Bomba, the cha-cha, the conga, the mambo, the rumba, salsa and cumbia---tie on your dancing shows and loosen your hips.

"Little Havana"

Along Calle Ocho, or Eighth Street in Little Havana you'll experience almost every facet of Miami's Latin culture. With street scenes reminiscent of Old Cuba, this section of Miami is a step back into the past. In the small parks and plazas, older Cuban men in Guayaberas, lightweight cotton shirts, play dominoes at special domino tables while arguing politics in Spanish. Abuelas or grandmothers, listen to music, gossip and watch their grandchildren play.

Latinos are highly social, and almost any spot can become an instant gathering place. If anyone invites you for a café con leche, say yes.

Cocina

Dining in Miami offers total immersion into authentic and "new" food traditions from around the world, with an emphasis on Central and South America and the Caribbean. Take time to sample the excellent Brazilian, Colombian and Peruvian and Argentine delights in tiny restaurants throughout the city. Want atmosphere? Try Café Ritmo along Ocean Drive dishes up Brazilian and Caribbean food at sidewalk tables. If you don't know what a "meat runner" is, ramp up your appetite and head for Picanha's on 123rd Street in North Miami. Hint: not for the veggie lover or faint of appetite!

Miami's "Little Havana" neighborhood offers classic Cuban restaurants ranging from tiny Casa Panza to the imposing Versailles where the famous and infamous mingle.
As you stroll or shop, indulge in cafecito y croquetas (little coffees and ham croquettes) offered though the window at dozens of sidewalk eateries.
Nuevo Latino cuisine originated here in Miami, and the original "Mango Gang" continue to open spectacular restaurants. A sampling of our current favorites:

Ola, the newest hot spot from Chef Douglas Rodriguez, the "godfather of Nuevo Latino", 5061 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami.

Chispa, bold food and stylish flair from Chef Robin Hass, located in Coral Gables at 225 Altara Avenue.

Yuca, Miami's original Nuevo Latino restaurant located at 501 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach

Larios, Gloria Estefan's famed eatery located on 820 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach.

Miami, The Gateway to Latin America and Latin Culture

Miami's remarkable blending of Latin, Caribbean and American cultures seems only natural. Located on the watery southern tip of Florida and facing the Atlantic Ocean, Miami is as close to Havana, Cuba as it is to the next closest major US city, Orlando.
You can practically "see" the Bahamas, and the island of Bimini is only 45 miles off the coast.

Miami is the largest and closest international airport hub for travel in and out of Central and South America or the Caribbean, and is aptly dubbed, "The Gateway to Latin America'. Because of Miami's unique geographic position, Latin Americans find it faster and more direct to fly up to Miami, change planes, and fly back to their destination city in South America when traveling between countries. Miami is also called "The Capital of Latin America." Latin Americans are drawn to Miami. Not only is it close in proximity, Miami is close in climate. As the only sub-tropical zone in the U.S., the city is blessed with abundant sunshine, dense lush foliage, leafy palm trees, sparkling turquoise-colored seas and the same vibrant flowers that bloom throughout Central and South America and the Caribbean. Even the architecture reflects colonial Spanish and Caribbean influence with arches, interior courtyards, tile roofs and pastel colored stucco facades.

Historical Connections

News of the rising Hispanic influence in the U.S. has been making headlines for the past decade. However the shaping of Miami by Hispanic influences began early in history.

Spanish conquistadors paved the way for Spanish missionaries to build a mission here in 1567. The area was then known as 'Mayaimi,' possibly named by the Tequesta Indians who lived in Miami for 2,000 years before the present day city was founded. In fact, Spain exercised control over all of Florida from 1865 until the early 1800s, and had offered land grants to Bahamian islanders along the Miami River and on Biscayne Bay. By the time Spain sold Florida to the United States for five million dollars in 1821, Miami was marked with a Hispanic and Caribbean footprint.

Copyright March 16, 2005