Calle Ocho Festival: Shooting Goes Unnocticed Among Antendees

Calle Ocho Festival is a Little Havana tradition that attracted thousands of people to Miami Carnival 2013. The celebration connects Miami's Cuban community with other Latin cultures.

"This is something to savor", said Mirtha Aguilar. "We come back every year. We love dancing here."

The party was hosted by the Little Havana Kiwanis Club, a nonprofit organization that supports needy families in the community. The crowd was entertained by musicians from several different Latin genres, everything from salsa to reggaeton was performed in front of an animated and loud audience.

The festival attracted many of Little Havana's needy, who spent hours waiting to visit all of the kiosks set up by companies such as Winn-Dixie and Kmart, which gave out samples of cereal, juice and packaged soup.

Attendees also visited stands with boxes of perfume, childrens' toys, souvenirs, jewelery and children's T-shirts printed with the flags of Latin American countries.

"We've had a great time on Calle Ocho," said Daniel Romero. "It's a day to celebrate being Cuban."

Even some pro-immigrant activists took advantage of the large celebration and organized a march from St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, 2987 W. Flagler Street to Calle Ocho. About 200 people participated, carrying pro-immigration posters and cheering for passing motorists.

While it seemed there was a large force of positivity and celebration of culture, there was also a bit of mayhem.

A man was wounded Sunday afternoon by a shot to the derriere, but few festival-goers knew what had happened because of all the noise.

"The shooting took place about 4:20 p.m. behind a stage at Calle Ocho and Southwest 11th Avenue", said Miami police Capt. Richard Walterman.

By Sunday afternoon the police had made no arrests, Walterman also stated that it was a really pleasant and safe celebration until the shooting.

Even still, many festival attendees said the event continues to be a great way to spend time with family and celebrate their heritage.

"It's so lovely. We have been coming for six years," said Fátima Bolaños, whose two small daughters wore dresses displaying the flag of El Salvador. "It's an opportunity to be happy and meet people from other countries."