Kiwanis Club of Little Havana Announces Recently Rebranded Carnaval Miami 2018 Event Schedule

Organization Celebrates 20th Anniversary of Carnaval on the Mile, New Event Programming

MIAMI--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Kiwanis Club of Little Havana, an affiliate of the worldwide volunteers’ organization, Kiwanis International, today unveiled the official event schedule for Carnaval Miami 2018. Joined by Kiwanis board members and notable sponsors, President Jesus Lebeña made a series of announcements at a press conference held at Little Havana’s own Ball & Chain, including a presentation of the official 2018 Carnaval Miami poster and specially designed event icons by Miami-born and internationally-acclaimed artist Atomik, as well as the declaration of this year’s King of Carnaval Miami, Cuban music legend Carlos Oliva.

“We are honored to continue this long-standing tradition year after year in Miami,” said Kiwanis Club of Little Havana President, Jesus Lebeña “Carnaval Miami 2018 has been organized in celebration of the vibrant and welcoming culture of the Hispanic Community and we look forward to sharing this experience with all of you this February and March.”

Carnaval Miami is the marquis annual fundraiser of Kiwanis Club of Little Havana in support of the Kiwanis Little Havana Foundation’s youth development programs. Host to a series of captivating events that attract an average of 1.5 million attendees each year, Carnaval Miami 2018 is best known as host of the country’s largest ‘Latino’ festival, Calle Ocho.

Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year is the Coral Gables street festival, Carnaval on The Mile. The festival highlights art, world music, fine cuisine, cocktail pavilion and children’s entertainment all weekend. The longtime event consists of two concert stages, a mile of paintings, crafts, photography and jewelry of the highest caliber; one cultural experience for the enjoyment of all age groups.

Returning this year are fan favorite events such as the Cork & Fork food and wine festival, Cooking Showdown and El Croquetazo, launched last year as the World Championship Croqueta Eating Contest! Each of these events showcase some of Miami’s hottest chefs, local restaurants and finest beverages.

Expanding on the annual event’s exciting schedule, Kiwanis Club of Little Havana also announced various all-new events for local and visiting foodies alike. New to this year’s schedule is Tap That Craft, a craft beer experience in Wynwood Arts District, featuring live painting, performance by local band, "Problem Kids," and interactive games. Also new to Carnaval Miami is Cordials & Candy, a dessert and cocktail tasting lounge as part of this year’s Carnaval on the Mile and sure to satisfy all sweet tooth cravings.

Carnaval Miami 2018 officially kicks off on Saturday, February 10th with the first ever Tap That Craft followed by, the Miss Carnaval pageant on February 17th. The pageant winner will not only be awarded cash prizes and scholarships, but also the opportunity to be the face of Carnaval Miami 2018 with sponsored entry into the Miss Florida USA pageant.

A full breakdown of this year’s events is listed below:

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

• February 10 NEW! Tap That Craft presented by SprintSHOTS Miami“Tap That Craft” is a celebration of Miami’s love for craft beer, live painting, and interactive games. Enjoy a laid-back afternoon in the Wynwood scene while sampling creations from your favorite craft breweries and performance by "Problem Kids". Tickets available through Eventbrite.

• February 17 Miss Carnaval Miami presented by Mirta de PeralesManuel Artime TheaterA pageant of elegance, beauty, talent and poise to select Miss Carnaval Miami 2018 and court. The winners become hosts of all Carnaval Miami 2018 festivities, and brand ambassadors for the Kiwanis Club of Little Havana and Kiwanis of Little Havana Foundation throughout an intense year of activities. Tickets available through Eventbrite.

• March 3 NEW! Cordials & CandyCoral Gables, Miracle MileA late night, sweet indulging spree at the first annual Cordials & Candy lounge at the heart of Carnaval on the Mile. The festival features the most exquisite lineup of pastry chefs and the finest cordials.

• March 3 – 4 Carnaval on the MileCoral Gables, Miracle MileCelebrating its 20th anniversary, Carnaval on the Mile is a weekend-long festival of art, world music, fine cuisine, cocktail pavilion and children’s entertainment. The celebration hosts two concert stages, a mile of paintings, crafts, photography and jewelry of the highest caliber; one cultural experience for the enjoyment of all age groups.

• March 3 – 4 Cork & Fork presented by Publix and Mercantil BankCoral Gables, Miracle MileThe food and wine tasting event will feature the hottest chefs, local restaurants and international wines combined for two days of unrivaled culinary tastings, intimate cooking demonstrations, exclusive book signings and live entertainment. Tickets available through Eventbrite.

• March 6 Carnaval Miami Cooking ShowdownMiami Culinary InstituteAspiring chefs in three categories – kids assisted by their sous chef parents, high school students and culinary students – compete in one of the most popular food competitions in South Florida. Culinary aficionados will have the opportunity to showcase their creativity against other food enthusiasts and compete for a variety of cash prizes.

• March 7 Carnaval Miami Domino Tournament presented by Café Pilón and CarePlusDomino ParkA classic Little Havana cultural experience becomes a friendly but passionate race at the Carnaval Miami Domino Tournament. Domino enthusiasts from around the country gather for a laid-back afternoon of laughter and fierce competition. The tournament also welcomes all corporate and small business to participate in teams.

• March 8 Carnaval Miami Golf Classic presented by SprintMiami International LinksConnect with VIPs at this Carnaval Miami-flavored tournament to benefit the Kiwanis Little Havana Foundation’s scholarship awards. All proceeds benefit four-year college scholarships awarded every year to students that otherwise would not have the opportunity of a higher education.

• March 9 Carnaval Live! GalaJungle IslandAn upscale, black tie gala attended by executives of multi-national corporations in a world-class setting. The Carnaval Miami “Live” gala is a Latin-inspired celebration of flavors, sights and sounds of Miami’s diverse, eclectic community.

• March 11 Calle Ocho FestivalSW 12th to 27th AvenueThe culmination of it all! A marquee event of Carnaval Miami, Calle Ocho is the world’s largest ‘Hispanic’ festival! Block after block of Little Havana full of musical stages, international food, dance, sampling sites and family entertainment to celebrate life and all Hispanic ethnicities. Tickets for VIP Access, with limited capacity, available through Eventbrite.

• March 11 El Croquetazo presented by CatalinaCalle OchoEl Croquetazo at Calle Ocho, presented by Catalina as the World Championship Croqueta Eating Contest sanctioned by Major League Eating, looks to find this year’s new croquette eating champion! Competitors at each level (Amateur, Celebrity, Professional) will devour as many of this Hispanic delicacy as possible for bragging rights and a chance to win cash prices. Register to compete at CarnavalMiami.com.

• March 31 Carnaval Fútbol 5v5 presented by SprintKendall Soccer ParkThe Carnaval Miami 5v5 Fútbol Challenge provides an afternoon of fun and healthy activities for the whole family. More than 4,000 attendees comprise 100 teams, ages U8 to U18, participating for trophies and glory as Carnaval Miami 5v5 Challenge winners! Register your team at CarnavalMiami.com.

Carnaval Miami is organized annually by the Kiwanis Club of Little Havana. All proceeds benefit the Kiwanis of Little Havana Foundation’s youth development programs. For more information about the Kiwanis of Little Havana, or Carnaval Miami 2018 sponsorship opportunities, visit http://carnavalmiami.com and be sure to follow us on Instagram (@CarnavalMiami) and Facebook (@CarnavalMiami) for real-time updates.

About Kiwanis Club of Little Havana

The Kiwanis of Little Havana is an affiliate of Kiwanis International, a worldwide non-profit organization of volunteers dedicated to serving children in their communities. Founded in 1975, the Little Havana Chapter is known for using advanced fundraising initiatives, such as Carnaval Miami and its flagship events Carnaval on the Mile and Calle Ocho Festival. Through the Kiwanis Little Havana Foundation, the organization impacts thousands of families annually, with youth development programs including holiday giving, scholarships, youth summer camps, back to school and more. For more information, visit www.KiwanisLittleHavana.org, www.kiwanislittlehavanafoundation.org and www.carnavalmiami.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180201006423/en/

Pinta for Kiwanis Club of Little Havana
Melissa Lopez, 305-615-111 x186
[email protected]
or
Pinta for Kiwanis Club of Little Havana
Rebecca Brooks, 305-615-1111 x203
[email protected]

Source: Kiwanis of Little Havana

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