Besides celebrating a common heritage, the festival shines a spotlight on Hispanic artists and specifically Cuban artist Cundo Bermudez (1914-2008). "He was like the Picasso of Cuban art," says Emilio Sauma, Jr., festival founder who worked with Bermudez for more than a decade. The late artist's estate allowed use of one of Bermudez's paintings to serve as the poster for the festival and a ten-by-seven foot mural by the artist will also be reassembled inside of City Hall for viewing during the festival (1-6 p.m.).
Multiple bounce houses for kids, exhibits from Hispanic artists and consulates and food vendors with a Hispanic bent will be part of the festival. Also, look for the "Smokin in the Gables" VIP Lounge," the first of its kind at an outdoor festival (that we can think of, at least). You'll have to buy tickets to get into the stogie section which is open from 1 to 6 p.m. It features more than 30 top cigar makers shilling their products plus an open bar with Bacardi booze. The festival runs from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. along the 400 block of Biltmore Way.
Here's the schedule.
Main Stage (Le Jeune Road and Biltmore Way)
Noon: Aspira Kids
12:30 p.m.: Jr. Orange Bowl together with Aspira Kids
12:45 p.m.: Miami Dolphin Cheerleaders
1:00 p.m.: Asociación de Puertorriqueños
1:30 p.m.: Flamenco
2:00 p.m.: Anabel y Keoke
3:00 p.m.: Carlos Oliva
3:45 p.m.: Anabel y Keoke
5:00 p.m.: Conjunto Progreso
5:45 p.m.: Panamerican Youth
6:00 p.m.: Jenny Love
6:45 p.m.: Conjunto Progreso
7:45 p.m.: Miami Dolphin Cheerleaders
8:00 p.m.: Folklorica Alturas de Chile
8:15 p.m.: Honduran Music
8:30 p.m.: Daniel Bouchet
8:45 p.m.: Arias
9:30 p.m.: Franklin's Wheels
VIP Stage (Hernando Street and Biltmore Way)
1:00 p.m.: Opening of Smokin' in the Gables by Emilio Gomez
1:30 p.m.: Daniel Bouchet
2:00 p.m.: Franklin's Wheels
3:00 p.m.: CigaRobbie Radio Show Live
5:00 p.m.: Jenny Love
5:30 p.m.: Closing of Smokin' in the Gables by Arias
