Celebrate ORGULLO
Now - Oct 8, 2022
Free - $1,000
Celebrate Orgullo, the first Hispanic and Indigenous LGBTQ+ festival in Greater Miami & Miami Beach, is back for its 12th edition. There’s no better way to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month and the destination’s diversity and history as an LGBTQ+ paradise. In 2021, Celebrate Orgullo (Spanish for “pride”) was named #4 among the top 14 most unique LGBTQ+ events around the world by TripSavvy.
Celebrating Community
Proceeds from the festival benefit the MicroGIVING Incubator Fund and year-round programming by Unity Coalition|Coalición Unida, Inc., which seeks to advance equality for the local Latinx, Hispanic and Indigenous LGBTQ+ community. Since its inception, the MicroGIVING Incubator Fund has distributed more than $80,000.
Herb Sosa, the director of Unity Coalition|Coalición Unida, recognizes the importance of events such as Celebrate Orgullo. “I hope our guests at one or all of our Celebrate Orgullo events take away a greater understanding, compassion and openness to new things,” Sosa says. “There is no better way to understand others and break down barriers, discrimination and hate than through the arts, culture and heritage – and a little fun, food, drinks and drag can’t hurt, either!”
Art, Music, Dance & Theater
This year's festival features eight days of events spotlighting Hispanic and Indigenous art, music, dance and theater. Read on to learn about some standout events on Celebrate Orgullo’s calendar.
Saturday, October 1
ArtDIVA Bus Tour (Cauley Square)
Take a VIP bus to South Dade on the Cauley Square ArtDIVA Bus Tour with bus diva Kimberly Venom. During the tour, you'll learn about indigenous traditions and the Everglades, visit Cauley Square Historic Village’s shops, and enjoy a light lunch and beverages at the Village Chalet.
Caribbean Dance and Music Workshop
Move your hips, get your feet gliding and your inner musician going at this fun Caribbean Dance and Music Workshop at Enchanted Forest Elaine Gordon Park in North Miami, with Kishi Chad and Joel Iglesia. Bring your yoga mat, improvised drums and maracas.
Sunday, October 2
ArtDIVA Bus Tour (Little Haiti to Little Havana)
Get your ChaCha heels ready for the Little Haiti to Little Havana ArtDIVA Bus Tour. Meet at the Caribbean Marketplace in Little Haiti for shopping and fun. From there, you'll take a VIP bus to Little Havana with your bus diva, Teresita La Caliente. Stops during the tour include Domino Park, local shops and Cuban Memorial Boulevard. Enjoy a welcome drink and appetizers at the historic Ball & Chain bar, and learn some moves from famed choreographer Rene Rodriguez.
Thursday, October 6
"Los Invisibles de Colombia"
Attend the "Los Invisibles de Colombia" exhibit and reception at Pridelines LGBT Center. “Los Invisibles de Colombia” is a collection of portraits that capture LGBTQ+ and Indigenous people who survived Colombia’s guerrilla wars and conflicts.
Saturday, October 8
TropiGALA B.C. – A Formal Affair
TropiGALA B.C. (the B.C. stands for “Before Castro, Before Communism, Before Cellphones!”) will be a star-filled night of music, dance, performances, top-shelf Bacardi open bar, hors d’oeuvres, indoor and outdoor festivities, international DJs, divas and more – all set in a magical location in North Miami. TropiGALA B.C. also celebrates Unity Coalition|Coalición Unida’s 20th anniversary.
By: Gino R. Campodónico | September 2, 2022