For 364 days out of the year, the stretch of SW 8 Street (aka Tamiami Trail aka US 41) east of 27th Avenue and west of SW 4th Avenue serves as the commercial destination of choice for residents of Miami’s famed Little Havana neighborhood. Panaderias, fruterias, fritangas, cafeterias, colmados, dulcerias, cigar shops, and dollar stores adorn both sides of the street. Pedestrians, properties built to the property line, and shade trees characterize the brick-paved sidewalks.
For 364 days out of the year, motorists use this same three-lane, one-way eastbound stretch to facilitate their (oftentimes) treacherous commute into Miami’s Financial and Central Business Districts.
One day out of the year, however, barricades are erected, detour signs are mounted, and motorists are forbidden from entering. SW 8 Street becomes
That’s right! Calle Ocho, baby!
Some come to show their latest moves
Some come to get their grub on
Some come to have their snakes pet
while others use the stage to push their agenda
Sidebar: Guess who was smiling when “The Hurt Locker” won the Oscar for Best Picture? Let’s see, we’re fighting a war on two fronts. Coincidence? I may have been born yesterday, sir, but I stayed up all night.
Some come to make a statement
Los fuertes come to do pull-ups.
They come to show national pride
Some come to be seen and not heard
Some come to show their assets off
Anybody got the number to a good orthodontist? Do my girl the favor.
Personally, I come for
and to make new friends
but no matter what you’re here for, don’t forget that this ain’t
baby. We’re in
B¡T¢H! This is for those who were
and it goes a lil’ something like this
