The mass influx of Immigrants from Cuba arriving in Florida in the 1960’s transformed the culture of Miami almost overnight. Today, Cuban culture pervades everything in Miami, especially the community in Little Havana. From colorful murals and monuments dedicated to heroes of the past, to elderly men playing dominoes and drinking Cuban coffee, the Cuban community has created a familiar culture in Miami.
Cuba | Staying Close to Their Roots
In Miami, it can be difficult to conduct business, seek help at stores, and even ask for directions without being familiar with Spanish or traveling with a Spanish interpreting services provider. According to the 2010 census, 70.2% of Miami’s population age five and over spoke only Spanish at home, while only 22.7% of the population spoke English. Cuban Americans in Miami have created a cultural phenomenon that is not found in any other high-density Latino city in the United States.
The Spanish language is maintained among successive generations of Cubans in Miami as a way to preserve cultural identity and affirm one’s Cuban heritage. Partly due to Cuban influence, Miamians are well known for being a community interested in social gatherings with the city’s famous nightclubs, beaches, and restaurants. Entrepreneurs from a wide range of trades, including the local MLB Miami Marlins franchise, have taken notice of this cultural phenomenon. The Miami Marlins ownership group has refocused their energy away from the non-Spanish speaking areas of Broward and Palm Beach in an effort to appeal to the Cuban population in Miami.
Cuban Culture in Sports
Miamians have distinctive tastes and preferences compared to their big city compatriots such as the Bostonians, New Yorkers, and Chicagoans. Before moving into their newly built stadium in 2012, the Miami Marlins knew they couldn’t model their franchise off of sports teams like the Boston Red Sox or the New York Yankees. The Marlin’s fan base was more interested in social gatherings than hardcore sports entertainment, so a different approach had to be taken.
In their 2012 transformation, the Marlins chose Little Havana as a cultural backdrop to further their goal of rebranding their image. The Marlins dedicated a large plaza in their new stadium, called the Taste of Miami, to Cuban-influenced Miami cuisine which includes fresh local seafood, Cuban sandwiches, and Latin American Grill. Their logo incorporates a colorful design that is reminiscent of the colorful buildings in Old Havana in Cuba. They have even attracted Latin American stars for their series of in-stadium concerts events, with Pitbull being the inaugural performer.
Cuba | Leaving a Mark
From their continued migration since the 1960’s, Cubans have left a permanent mark on culture in Miami and the entire Latino culture in Florida. More far-reaching yet, Cuban footsteps can be seen not only in Miami culture, but the entire country as Cuban style sandwiches are now served in restaurants and delis in the U.S. from California to Maine.
People from Cuba are also well known for their accomplishments across many areas. In the 2016 primaries, there were two U.S. presidential candidates of Cuban heritage. Although many Cubans have historically been unable to return to their native homeland, they have created a culture that is wonderfully close to home.
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