Viernes Culturales

Little Havana is the epicenter of Miami’s Cuban diaspora, and on the last Friday of every month, Greater Miami & Miami Beach celebrates the neighborhood's dynamic heritage with Viernes Culturales – Spanish for “Cultural Fridays.”

This free event takes over the stretch of Calle Ocho (SW 8th Street) between 14th and 17th avenues and brings the vibrant history, art, food and music of Little Havana and Miami’s greater Latin American community to life.

The History Of Little Havana

When Fidel Castro’s reign sparked the Cuban Revolution in January 1959, Cuban immigrants fled to Miami and found refuge in the neighborhood that is now Little Havana.

In response to Castro’s dictatorship, the U.S. government passed the Migration and Refugee Assistance Act in 1962, which offered refugees escaping political or religious persecution funding and government programs to start a new life in America.

Freedom Tower immediately became home to the official Cuban Assistance Center. It was the destination of choice for Cuban immigrants coming to Miami, who began settling near the tower and gradually formed their own community just west of Downtown Miami.

Cuban refugees found homes, opened businesses and proudly shared their heritage, earning their community the nickname “La Pequeña Habana,” or Little Havana.

This settlement started a new chapter in Miami’s history that would forever shape the city’s culture and transform it into the extraordinarily diverse city it is today.

Viernes Culturales gives visitors an opportunity to learn even more about the history of Little Havana. Make sure to meet at the historic Tower Theater (it’s been on Calle Ocho since 1926) at 7 p.m. for a free Little Havana walking tour led by Dr. Paul George, HistoryMiami Museum’s resident historian.

The Beginning Of Viernes Culturales

It all started in 1984, when the City of Miami Planning Department collaborated with the City of Miami Commission, the Latin Chamber of Commerce, the Little Havana Development Authority and community merchants, residents, design professionals and neighborhood leaders on a Latin Quarter Study.

Fast forward to 1996 and the results of that study led the Little Havana Neighborhood Planning Program to recommend a year-round series of art exhibits, dance, music, poetry, theater and film events, as well as neighborhood historic tours to preserve and highlight the culture of Little Havana.

From there, the nonprofit organization Viernes Culturales/Cultural Fridays Inc. was formed with the mission to “promote cultural awareness of Miami’s Little Havana neighborhood and to act as a cultural liaison for the artistic community and the general public of Miami, visitors and tourists.”

The first Viernes Culturales took place on May 26, 2000 and attracted 2,000 people. Today, the number of attendees has nearly doubled, turning Viernes Culturales into a catalyst for both cultural and economic growth in Little Havana.

The neighborhood has since been named a National Treasure by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Eat At Neighborhood Bars And Restaurants

One of the best ways to experience Miami’s Cuban heritage is through its food and drink.

First-time visitors should try the Cuban staples, including a thimble of strong, sweet Cuban coffee, an empanada or a guava and cheese pastelito from a “ventanita” (little window), a mojito from a Little Havana rum bar or a Cuban sandwich made with roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles and yellow mustard pressed between two pieces of crusty Cuban bread.

Try these classics at local spots at or near Viernes Culturales. The no-frills Sanguich de Miami has one of the most popular Cuban sandwiches in town, while El Pub Restaurant has nine different kinds of empanadas, from breakfast to traditional beef picadillo, that practically melt in your mouth.

Get a well-made mojito at Ball & Chain, a restored jazz-era nightclub, or stop by a traditional fruteria (fruit shop), such as Los Pinarenos Fruteria, for fresh sugarcane juice or a batido (a tropical fruit milkshake).

Finish the night strong at Azucar Ice Cream Company, Miami’s own Cuban-inspired shop, for homemade artisanal ice cream and sorbets. Their flavors reflect both Miami and traditional Cuban culture, running the gamut from mamey, lychee and other exotic fruit flavors to creative scoops that’ll make you an instant Azucar fan.

Try the Bourbon Buns with Jim Beam ice cream and Knaus Berry Farms cinnamon rolls, or the Café con Leche flavor made with Cuban coffee and Oreos.

Like Miami, Little Havana’s restaurants, food trucks and food stands are a direct reflection of the destination’s diversity. During Viernes Culturales, try delights from cultures across the globe, such as Mexican, Spanish, Thai, Sushi, Chinese and Uruguayan.

Explore The Art And Culture Of Little Havana

Viernes Culturales is a prime opportunity for local artists to share their traditions through art.

Visitors can stroll up and down Calle Ocho to see brightly-colored mosaic art depicting cigars, tropical fruit and other symbols of Cuban heritage, painted rooster statues and murals of famous names in Cuban history – such as revolutionary poet José Martí or famous Cuban singer Celia Cruz.

At Domino Park, local artisans sell everything from handcrafted jewelry and Cuban coffee cups to paintings, books and more.

The neighborhood’s galleries aren’t to be missed. Visitors should check out Futuruma 1637 Art Building, a creative workspace made up of 12 art studios and over 37 exhibits from local artists, or look through Molina Art Gallery’s collection of Afro-Cuban oil paintings on canvas.

Latin Art Core is a fine art gallery that prides itself on showcasing Latin American and Cuban art by world-renowned artists from across the globe.

Finally, Cubaocho Museum & Performing Arts Center has it all – it’s a museum and event space with an impressive collection of 19th- and 20th-century Cuban art, live music and a kitchen and bar known for its mojitos.

Dance Like A Local – Or Not

A festival celebrating Cuban and Latin American heritage wouldn’t be complete without dancing.

During Viernes Culturales, a huge stage is set up right on Calle Ocho for performances by top local and international musicians and dancers.

Local restaurants have their own salsa bands, folkloric dance groups, Cuban timba, DJs, live music and jazz. Visitors can also head over to Domino Park to experience flamenco dancers and Mariachi bands.

Not in the mood for dancing? Catch the latest indie flick (with Spanish subtitles) at The Tower Theater.

General Information

Time: Viernes Culturales runs from noon until late.

Cost: Admission is free, but all food, drinks, art and souvenirs are available for purchase. Donations are suggested for the guided walking tour.

Parking: Parking is available in the public lots on 14th Avenue (between Southwest 8th and 9th streets), on 16th Avenue (between Southwest 7th and 8th streets) and in private parking lots on Calle Ocho (between 13th and 14th avenues). Street parking is available and ridesharing is encouraged.

By: Jennifer Agress | January 30, 2026