Little Havana is one of the most colorful districts of Downtown Miami. The yearly Reyes Magos Parade which winds along Calle Ocho, Little Havana’s main artery, is an events no self respecting resident and tourist want to miss.
The Three Wise Men, Melchior, Baltasar and Caspar who followed the star to Bethlehem traditionally arrive on 6th of January, but Miami celebrates the event on the Sunday following the 6th. This year we had two additional “attractions”: it must have been the coldest 10th of January in many people’s memory and it was the 40th anniversary of the parade.
Although there is of course the religious background, Little Havana’s Reyes Magos only play a marginal role. It’s more carnival than wise men and more funny floats, marching bands, cheerleaders, displays of local businesses and everything in between that pass in front of the applauding spectators who line the length of Calle Ocho. Given the cold, most cheers went to the float with the boys and girls in swim suits, keeping warm with eggnog and dancing to Salsa rhythms.
Whilst the parade nears its end, party spirit erupts among the public. Not an English word is spoken, many stalls sell arepos, tortillas, Cuban coffee and empanadas with young and old keep warm dancing in the street.
Make a note in your diary for next year. Don’t miss Little Havana’s Reyes Magos if you happen to be in Miami. They may fulfill all your travel wishes too.
Inka is German and used to be an international attorney with offices in London and Spain. Retired two years ago because I wanted to be a traveler and writer and now live between Didim/Turkey and Miami with plenty of travel in between. Next destinations: Istanbul, New York and Petra/Jordan. Inka’s first novel has just been published and can be found here
Last 5 posts by Inka Piegsa-Quischott
- Walking the Streets of Manhattan - June 9th, 2010
- New York's First Wall Street Hotel, the Andas - February 26th, 2010
- Circling Manhattan - February 24th, 2010
Another place I’d like to visit, once the weather warms up !