For the second year in a row, the Calle Ocho Music Festival and other events are canceled due to the pandemic
As of Feb. 9, 2021, the Kiwanis Club of Little Havana decided to cancel its iconic March events. These events are the Calle Ocho Music Festival, Carnaval on the Mile, and the groovy Coral Gables event. This news is disappointing, yet understandable for most Miamians.
These events usually bring fame to the Miami streets. Many different cultures, communities, and tourists gather together to celebrate Miami's diversity.
Carnaval on the Mile is an event that showcases the best aspects of Miami. This includes music, art, fashion, food, and sports. It’s a celebration of all things Miami. All proceeds go toward development programs in the Kiwanis Club of Little Havana.
The first cancellation when the pandemic began in 2020 was The Calle Ocho Music Festival. After 42 years of the festival, canceling it again was disappointing for the Kiwanis Club.
For 45 years, Kiwanis has fulfilled their mission to bring opportunities to underserved youth in Little Havana. With the cancellation of their big events during the pandemic, they took a hard financial hit. Jorge Fernandez is the president of the Kiwanis Club. He notes that they have struggled to continue providing for the community.
“The pandemic has affected the ability to carry out our largest special event fundraising initiatives,” said Fernandez. “But we have made a promise to the community.”
That promise is one which they have kept.
Despite these financial troubles, the organization continued to support the community’s youth. In 2020, they provided more than 40 college scholarships to students in need. They were able to give over 7,000 students in South Florida school supplies. During the holidays, they gifted over 2,000 toys to underprivileged children.
Although unhappy about the cancellations, the Kiwanis Club is looking toward the future. They are confident that their events will happen in 2022. They hope the community will look forward to Carnaval on the Mile on March 5-6, 2022. The Calle Ocho Music Festival is set to occur on March 13, 2022.
For more information about the Kiwanis Club of Little Havana, visit their website. To stay up-to-date with the organization, follow them on Instagram @kiwanisoflittlehavana.
