Nearly 1M People Attend 37th Annual Calle Ocho Festival

This year's festival was dedicated to Celia Cruz.

Nearly one million people attended the 37th annual Calle Ocho Festival.

The day began with a parade of dancers dressed in outfits representative of their countries.

The picture perfect day made for a fun-filled street party. While some just came out to enjoy their Sunday, others had a specific type of celebration in mind.

"To have fun! I'm celebrating my divorce," Maritza Hernandez said.

Calle Ocho 2014 was dedicated to Celia Cruz. To pay tribute to the Queen of Salsa, members of the Kiwanis Club of Little Havana held up a statue of Cruz and carried it through the festival.

"It's been 10 years since her passing and for us she is truly an inspiration," said Tony Lorenzo, President of Kiwanis club Little Havana.

Vendors sold everything from delicious Latin food to merchandise with flags from different countries.

"You get to see people from all over the place in one spot," Pete Martinez said.

Artists performed on more than 10 stages while the crowd danced to the live music.

Almost two miles of SW 8th street closed for the festival. Streets re-open on Monday at 5 a.m.
 

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