MIAMI – A fun weekend is ahead for South Florida residents and music lovers.
From Jazz in the Gardens music festival in Miami Gardens and the start of spring break season in Miami Beach to Sunday’s historic Calle Ocho music festival in Miami’s famed Little Havana neighborhood, you can expect to find fun at the various community events and related road closures.
“So if you live in the area, you are coming to the event, or you have business in the area, pack a little patience, because we are expecting thousands of people,” said Sgt Freddie Cruz with the Miami Police Department. “We know this is one of our biggest events. into place for this, so we are ready for this. We are going to have officers in each corner, uniformed. We are also going to have some undercover officers and all that is for your safety.”
Cruz continued: “Southwest 8th Street will be closed starting Saturday at 9 p.m. That is when the hard closure takes place, and of course all day Sunday, until about 9 p.m. after the festival is over. The festival Sunday starts at 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. It is going to go from 27th Avenue to 12th Avenue.
The event is great for business, as one Calle Ocho merchant told Local 10 News’ Christina Vazquez, since it is not just locals.
Local like Joaquin Mesa, who explained the festival started as a way for Cuban immigrants to share their music and culture, later expanding to all Latin American countries.
He comes each year with a group of friends to enjoy the day, like many tourists who come to enjoy the historic festival.
“Very exciting apparently it is a big festival, the street shuts down, music, so we are excited,” said Marissa Lerma, who is visiting from New Mexico. “We like to dance. We are Mexican, so we are ready to dance!”