A Guide To Cuba Nostalgia In Miami FL

Celebrating all things Cuban, the Cuba Nostalgia festival will be taking over the Fair Expo Center in Miami on May 18, 19, and 20. The three-day event will include pop exhibits, food, shopping and plenty of Cuban music to give Miamians a taste of Cuban culture.

But Cuba Nostalgia is not just for Cubans. While expats can rekindle the roots of their culture with a bit of nostalgia, the event is also an educational opportunity for those who are not familiar with Cuban history. Visitors will have the chance to learn about the Caribbean island’s past with various expositions displayed throughout the fair.

Car enthusiasts can discover what it’s like to drive in the streets of Havana with a collection of vintage 1940s and 1950s cars. From classic Chryslers, to Cadillacs and Fords, there will be heavy chrome cars in colorful pastel hues lined throughout the fair. These type of antique American cars are still widely used in Cuba today, as they were the last cars exported in the island before the U.S. embargo of 1962. Even if you can’t take one home – you can still hop in to test it out (without driving off, of course).

As for the menu, the food is as expected. Pan con bistec (steak and bread), congri (beans with rice) and platanitos (plantains), all the Cuban favorites in one place. Grab a plate of flaky pastelitos and ham croquetas with a hot and powerful cafecito to savor every last bit.

Cocktails will also be plentiful. Don’t miss out on trying a Cuban staple like the iconic Cuba Libre. The cocktail is a mix of Bacardi rum and Coca-Cola and lime on ice. The name translates literally to “Free Cuba,” as the drink was invented in Havana around 1900 after Cuba gained independence from Spain in the Spanish-American War.

As for something to remember the festival by? You can indulge in some shopping. The fair will include many Cuban-themed souvenirs including stamp and map collections and black-and-white photos. There will also be a sea of colorful Cuban artworks by international and local artists available for purchase. From paintings to sculptures, there’s certainly something worth taking home. If you’re a cigar lover, don’t forget to purchase a couple of Cuban cigars on your way out!

Cuba Nostalgia will take place on May 18, 19, & 20 at the Fair Expo Center at Coral Way SW & 112 Avenue. Doors are open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Admission is $12.