MIAMI – What better way to celebrate the anniversary of the city of Miami than with some strong ‘cafecito’ and a bunch of Miami-themed events?
The Magic City was founded exactly 125 years ago this Wednesday, on July 28, 1896. According to the City of Miami, 344 men voted to incorporate the city (women were not allowed to vote at the time), and more than a third of those who voted were Bahamian immigrants.
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In celebration of Miami’s 125th Anniversary, the City of Miami will toast the Magic City with Miami 125, a week-long festival of food, culture, and innovation.
The celebration runs from July 26-31, and features various free and ticketed events that the public is invited to attend.
According to event organizers, throughout the course of the week, the celebration will pay tribute to the trailblazing Miamians who are responsible for the city we love today, and will also highlight Miami’s diversity while recognizing those who are embracing the city’s future in tech, business, and more.
Below are some of the events the public is invited to attend during Miami 125 week:
- July 26: Miami Innovation Luncheon at the Rusty Pelican
- July 27: NFT Workshop and Local Artist Highlight at the Bakehouse Art Complex
- July 28: City of Miami 125th Anniversary Celebration at the Perez Art Museum
- July 30: Little Havana Fridays at Domino Park
- July 31: Miami Day at various city locations to include Grove Heritage Dayat Coconut Grove’s Village Center and Village West
In keeping with the theme of “honoring Miami’s history while embracing the future,” the City of Miami is also recognizing Miami residents who have had a significant impact on the city’s history and progress.
Below are said honorees:
- Dr. Enid Curtis Pinkney: Notable preservationist, community leader, and humanitarian
- Arva Moore Parks McCabe: Miami historian, author, and preservationist
- Dr. Paul S. George: Miami’s lauded resident historian and prolific author and scholar
- Dr. Dorothy Fields: Who has been instrumental in documenting Miami’s African American history through manuscripts and photography
- Dr. Marvin Dunn: Author, educator, and historian
According to Miami Mayor Francis Suarez, the city’s 125th anniversary provides an opportunity to honor Miami’s historic trailblazers while embracing today’s social and entrepreneurial innovators who are positioning Miami as the next “tech hub.”
“I invite all residents of Miami to join me in celebrating Miami’s rich history and cultural diversity as we celebrate the city’s founding 125 years ago,” said Mayor Suarez. “Miami 125 will provide exciting and fun opportunities for residents to celebrate the Magic City by exploring our history, diversity, cultural venues, parks and more.”
Larry Gautier, who is co-chairing Miami 125, stated, “For this celebration we want to do two things. We want to make sure we honor the past. We also want to embrace the future.”
For more information about Miami 125, click here.