美國(guó)之音2007標(biāo)準(zhǔn)下半年AMiamis Little Havana Showcases Cuban Life

Miami's Little Havana Showcases Cuban Life

By Ade Astuti
Miami, Florida
03 August 2007

Little Havana boasts the largest population of Cubans outside the island.

One business owner in little Havana, Miami, Carol Ann Weaver, describes it, "This is a very ethnic, ripe, colorful, musical and interesting neighborhood."

William Talbert, Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, explains how Little Havana was born. "When Castro took over Cuba, most of the professionals in Cuba left. And, they came to the closest area they could get to which was Miami. There was a famous processing center here. We became the Ellis Island for the Cubans."

Cuban culture flourishes in Little Havana. Old Cuban men discuss
politics over games of dominos. Cuban style cigars are readily available in neighborhood shops. And art galleries exhibiting unique artwork by Cuban Americans line the streets.

No visit to Little Havana is complete without enjoying popular Cuban dishes like
Ropa Vieja -or shredded beef - and Cuban Skirt Steak.

Romo Montano owns "Romo," a popular restaurant frequented by Shakira, Marc Anthony, Pele and other celebrities. Montano left Cuba as a child and has lived in Little Havana ever since. "I came up with the idea of bringing people from outside Little Havana to come and see me, and see what Little Havana is all about. I really thank God for the opportunity of being here in the place where I grew up."

The neighborhood's festive mood and Latin music keeps visitors and locals alike talking and dancing all night long in Little Havana's restaurants and clubs.