The Gateway to America
An immersive experience. Who are the people that live and work here? What are their stories? They are the soul of Little Havana, the ones that keep the neighborhood alive.
Inscripition on a wall from Calle 8, Where the Cuba from yesterday is lived today.
Published on June 2, 2023
Miami is seen by many as the “Gateway to America” and Little Havana is one of the places where Cubans and Latinamericans settle with the hope for a better life. This has become a friendly and colorful neighborhood, where tourists can experience Cuban culture, but it is also a place where members of the community rather enjoy their privacy away from the cameras.
Who are the people that live and work here? What are their stories? They are the soul of Little Havana, the ones that keep the neighborhood alive.
The vibrant neighborhood where Latino cultures mix
As soon as you drive in, the music surrounds you as people play live music in the restaurants with congas, pianoes and singers who interpret tipical latin songs. The colorful murals are everywhere, with hidden meaning that a few understand and only expert eyes may find. Little Havana is a vibrant neighborhood that has been growing for the past years, and has now become one of the most touristic places in Miami. Why? Because it is the perfect place to experience the Latin American culture in this city.
Calle 8 is the colorful main street of this neighborhood, where locals and tourists mix together. Because of this all kinds of stores co-exist in the streets, such as local supermarkets, barber shops and hair salons.While the neighborhood has experienced changes, it still retains its essence as a haven for Cuban heritage and traditions.
The iconic Calle Ocho, with its domino parks, Latin music venues, and art galleries, remains a vibrant symbol of Little Havana's Cuban roots. The blend of old and new creates a unique and dynamic atmosphere, where tradition and innovation coexist harmoniously.
The neighborhood is home to restaurants from many nationalities, such as Mexican, Spanish, Cuban and more, where visitors can try the different dishes of each country.
But, the street also has restaurants from recognized chains, like Starbucks, Subway, Domino’s Pizza, and McDonalds, whose outside walls are covered with murals to fit perfectly with the atmosphere of Calle 8.
While walking down the streets, the palm trees create a refreshing shade from the heat that is typical of Miami. In order to hide from the sun, by strolling Calle 8 visitors enter one of the many restaurants or bars, or maybe the famous ice-cream shop Azúcar.
Many wonder why Azúcar is everywhere in the community. This is an iconic phrase of the famous singer Celia Cruz and said word may be found in many places around Little Havana, if one knows where to look.
As locals and visitors wander Little Havana, the mix of accents and languages mesmerizes the public. Currently, not only the Cuban accent is spoken in the streets, new nationalities have settled in the colorful streets leading the neighborhood to become cultural.
Many countries such as Venezuela, Colombia, Honduras, Mexico, and more, have now left a footprint in one of the most important cities, Miami. Because of the desire that many Latin Americans have to start a better life, many travel each year to Miami to settle in with a different story that has become the soul of this neighborhood.
Jonathan’s Journey: From Cuba to Little Havana
Moving to a new country can be a life-altering experience, filled with challenges, excitement, and the opportunity for personal growth. Jonathan Guerra, an 18-year-old Cuban immigrant, embarked on a journey that led him to the heart of Little Havana in Miami (Florida), eight months ago. Jonathan's unwavering passion for education and soccer has been the driving force behind his pursuit of a better future.
Stepping foot on unfamiliar soil, the 18-year-old faced the difficult task of adapting to a new country, culture, and language. Leaving behind his home in Cuba, he arrived in Little Havana with desire to start a new journey.
Despite the challenges, he found support in the vibrant Cuban community that embraced him with open arms. The shared language and cultural heritage helped him forge connections and feel a sense of belonging, creating a support system crucial for his successful integration into his new life. Jonathan firmly believes that education is the key to unlocking a brighter future. With a determined spirit, he set his sights on starting college. Inspired by his parents’ sacrifices and his own thirst for knowledge, he plans to become an engineer. Jonathan understands that a college education will equip him with the skills and knowledge necessary to make a positive impact on his community and build a successful career. He has embraced the Spanish language spoken in Little Havana, maintaining his Cuban roots while also developing his English language skills to thrive in his academic and professional goals.
Beyond the classroom, soccer has been Jonathan’s passion. Starting from his childhood in Cuba, his passion for the game has been an integral part of his identity. In Little Havana, he has sought out local soccer leagues and pickup games. Not only does soccer provide an outlet for his competitive spirit, but it also serves as a bridge, connecting him with fellow enthusiasts and helping him make friends in his new community.
Jonathan’s journey has not been without its fair share of obstacles. Yet, his resilience and determination to overcome these challenges have been remarkable. The young cuban focus on his goals, combined with hard work and perseverance, has propelled him forward. He has shown the ability to adapt, learn, and grow, using every hurdle as an opportunity for personal development.
He aspires to contribute to his community, pursue personal growth, and create a positive impact on the lives of those around him. Jonathan’s story serves as an inspiration to others, highlighting the strength and determination it takes to forge a new path in pursuit of a better life.
Jesús’ long life in Little Havana
At first, Jesús may appear shy, speaking only a few words with a thick Cuban accent that has not disappeared after so many years in Miami. He does not speak much English, as he learned on the streets that he speaks an “inglés machucao.” Even nowadays, he still does not speak much English. However, Jesús is all smiles and cares about others, even if he doesn’t need to, but does it out of the kindness of his heart.
Jesús overcame the biggest challenge, becoming an immigrant, and moved from Cuba to the US. The 80-year-old came to Miami in the 80s in one of the many waves of Cubans that entered the country during those years. After his wife came to Miami, he decided to follow her with a shared dream: a new future. Jesús had an advantage not all immigrants had in the first waves of Cuban migration, a helping hand and support from his family. Before he came to Miami, his in-laws already lived here and helped him settle. Currently, he has lived in Miami for more than 40 years and has seen the growth of Little Havana.
This man has not let his age define him, as he still works all day in the neighborhood to support his family. This being said, Jesús has made a coconut stand out of a bicycle. For the last decade, he drives around Little Havana and settles in different places of Calle 8 to sell fresh coconuts to tourists that walk by .But, he doesn’t let the heat defeat him. With his typical Cuban straw hat called Canotier, he stands beside his bicycle selling coconuts and sometimes flowers with a smile on his face.
His life has not been easy. After retiring, Jesus still needed to work to provide for his family, which motivated him to open his coconut stand in Little Havana more than ten years ago. Jesús has seen the neighborhood grow throughout the years. Little Havana had nothing when he started, and Calle 8 was only another street in Miami.
On the other hand, the people that come to Little Havana have also changed. Jesus has seen how the Cuban neighborhood he once knew has become a place where Latin American people from different nationalities come to live and work. Currently, tourists and locals do not only listen to thick Cuban accents on the streets, but many more are present. With the Latino community growing and diversifying itself every day, Jesus and his coconut stand amid the growth and development of Little Havana.
Little Havana nowadays
The landscape of Little Havana today reflects a dynamic and evolving neighborhood that has experienced significant changes over time. While it has historically been known as a Cuban community, it has gradually transformed into a melting pot of cultures, welcoming immigrants from various countries.
This diversification has enriched Little Havana, adding new flavors, traditions, and perspectives to its vibrant lifestyle.
The presence of immigrants from different countries has brought fresh energy and vitality to the neighborhood. Alongside the Cuban community, Little Havana now embraces individuals from countries such as Honduras, the Dominican Republic, among others.
These changes have given rise to an eclectic mix of businesses, restaurants, and community spaces that reflect the diverse backgrounds and tastes of the residents. Strolling through the streets of Little Havana, one can find Cuban bakeries alongside Honduran food stands, Dominican hair salons, and Nicaraguan art. The neighborhood has become a hub of cultural exchange, where people from different backgrounds can come together, celebrate their heritage, and share their stories.
Furthermore, the presence of immigrants has breathed new life into the local economy, stimulating entrepreneurship and small business development. Many immigrants in Little Havana have seized the opportunity to open their own shops, restaurants, and service-oriented establishments, contributing to the neighborhood's economic growth and revitalization.
Little Havana's current landscape showcases a neighborhood that has embraced diversity and adapted to the changing times. The presence of immigrants from various countries has added new dimensions to its cultural fabric, enriching the community and contributing to its ongoing transformation.
Little Havana stands as a shining example of how a neighborhood can evolve while maintaining its identity, embracing the strength and resilience of its immigrant population, and embracing the power of unity in diversity.
Want to learn more about Cuban culture? In Little Havana, many national symbols are represented and have become part of the experience of visiting the community. Furthermore, one of the key characteristics of Little Havana is the constant representation of three elements of Cuban Culture: tobacco, dominoes, and guayabera shirts. These representations have become the trademark of Cuban culture, but do we know the background, context, and importance of each of them?