Walk among the shady trees and monuments and you’ll understand the importance of the area, which is regarded as the epicentre of the city district.
Little Havana’s residents are exceptionally proud of Cuban Memorial Boulevard as it marks the very existence of the neighbourhood. Stroll though it on any day and it’s apparent that the spot is not just a park but more a sacred location. Remembering those who fought for freedom and perished during the Cuban Revolution is the main reason for the park’s existence. It’s common to see events to honour the fallen or mementoes left in obvious places as symbols of gratitude.
In the park you might see small animal bones placed around a large banyan tree with a statue of the Virgin Mary beside it. Members of the Santeria faith, which includes a portion of the Cuban population that’s otherwise predominantly Catholic, have left these bones here.
Look for the Bay of Pigs memorial near the banyan tree that serves as a congregating point for certain events. Elsewhere in the park you might find people engaged in a game of dominoes, a Cuban national pastime. At one end of the two-block park is the Eternal Torch for those who fell fighting for freedom in the Cuban Revolution. Other monuments and statues for heroes line the pathways.
The park is not all sombre as it also marks the location of one of the world’s biggest festivals, the Calle Ocho Music Festival. At the 1988 event, the world’s longest conga line was formed, as noted in the Guinness Book of World Records. If you happen to be in the area during the 1-day festival in March, expect to be caught up in the carnival atmosphere of music, dancing, art displays and food sampling that attracts more than 1 million people. Imagine what it’s like being in the Caribbean for a day and join the fun. Entrance is free for everyone.
Find Cuban Memorial Boulevard along the popular Calle Ocho. In this area night and day have a way of blending into each other. Be sure to stroll the length of Calle Ocho to see its numerous interesting businesses.
