MIA Magazine December 2015 Art of Black Miami | Page 13

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2015 MIAMI HERITAGE MONTH .COM AN INDEPENDENT SUPPLEMENT BY MIA MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS GROUP TO MIAMI HERALD DECEMBER The perfect opportunity to discover Miami’s unique heritage Great Deals in Unique Neighborhoods The Many Cultures, Cuisines, and Characters of Miami. When most people think of a vacation in Miami they envision turquoise water, long stretches of beach, and nights filled with glamour. Yet, that is only part of what makes the city so magical. Each of Miami’s vibrant neighborhoods offers visitors a totally unique and memorable experience. The perfect time to explore Greater Miami and the Beaches’ unique neighborhoods is during the month of December – Miami Heritage Month. Sponsored by Citibank and organized by the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, it’s a 31-day celebration of Miami’s history and diverse culture. Visit MiamiHeritageMonth.com and you’ll find special offers, cool diversions, and links to all kinds of must-see treasures, each one made to explore, just like Miami’s many neighborhoods. Revered as the heart of the Cuban diaspora, Little Havana is as close as you can get to Havana without actually going there. It’s one of Miami’s most iconic neighborhoods and its epicenter is SW 8th Street, or Calle Ocho, as locals call it. Calle Ocho is full of Old-world charm, mom-and-pop shops, art galleries, Cuban restaurants, genuine Cuban cigar shops, and Cuban coffee. Little Haiti is ever-evolving and home to some of the best Haitian food this side of Cap-Haïtien. There are authentic Haitian lifestyle markets, murals commemorating Haiti’s heroes and history, and monthly block parties complete with spontaneous conga lines. The Little Haiti Cultural Center features all things Haitian in Little Haiti. It’s part museum, part idea incubator, part art and dance studio, and part theatre. One of Miami’s earliest Black communities, Historic Overtown is known for its rich history, culture and civic pride. Colorful urban murals painted by the late Purvis Young, the annual Overtown Music and Arts Festival, and the Historic Lyric Theater attract locals and visitors alike. Just bring an appetite for history and amazing food. In the late 1800s, Bahamian natives settled in Coconut Grove and established the Village West. These settlers helped build Miami from the ground up. The Village West takes pride in its Black Heritage Tours, which highlight 11 historical sites, all within walking distance. History and heritage. Cuisine and culture. Music and memories. Blend them all together with some sunscreen and surf, and the result is a fabulous visit to Miami and its one-of-a-kind neighborh