Miami International Mall held its 18th Hispanic Heritage Celebration

DORAL, FL – Miami International Mall, the heart of the West Dade Hispanic community, celebrates South Florida’s cultural diversity with its 18th Annual Hispanic Heritage Celebration. 

The thriving regional shopping destination recently held this event proudly presented by Chevrolet®. In collaboration with the City of Doral, this inclusive event paid tribute to the diverse cultures and flavors of various Latin American countries.

The festivities were a magnificent blend of a fashion showcase, captivating folkloric music and dance performances, an artisan expo and live entertainment from South America, Central America, the Caribbean, and Spain.

“For 18 years, almost since the inception of the City of Doral, we have proudly partnered with Miami International Mall to celebrate the many colorful Hispanic cultures that enrich our community,” said Doral Mayor, Christi Fraga. “It is a true honor to come together with our residents and businesses to highlight the variety of nationalities that call Doral home, and the beautiful traditions and values that they bring to our vibrant City.”

Maria Prado, General Manager of Miami International Mall, expressed her excitement for this year’s Hispanic Heritage Celebration, saying. “Our mall is pleased to bring Hispanic Heritage Celebration once again to the surrounding communities. This event has truly evolved into a family affair which offers all the sights and sounds of our dynamic Hispanic culture. This event is not just fun, it helps unify and highlights our community. We are looking forward to continuing to host this vibrant annual tradition.”

Miami International Mall, anchored by Macy’s, JC Penney, and Kohl’s, serves as a vibrant hub for celebrating Hispanic heritage while also provides a thriving space for Hispanic-owned businesses. Esteemed brands such as Mango, Tous, Inspired Sandals, Epeka, Aliss, Victoria’s Collection, Lin & Lu, Nattie’s Scents, The Knife, 100 Montaditos, Delicatessen by Janis, and many others have chosen Miami International Mall as their home.

These businesses enhance the shopping experience by offering a diverse fusion of cultures and products. The Friday Hispanic Heritage Celebration kicked off with “Noche de Honor,” a prestigious event attended by dignitaries, community leaders and business figures.

During this evening, the mall paid tribute to four outstanding local Hispanic leaders and noteworthy non-profit organizations that have demonstrated unwavering dedication to the South Florida community:

• Leila Hilliard, young Founder of Produced with Purpose, a non-profit organization that empowers young entrepreneurs to bring their products and services to the market.
• Gabriela Smith, Founder of the Upcycle project, dedicated to raising awareness about the fashion industry’s waste and finding sustainable solutions.
• Eduardo Sanabria, Venezuelan Pop artist, whose artistry has transcended borders, enriching both local and international platforms.
• Lilliam M. Lopez, President/CEO and founder of the South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, a driving force behind promoting business growth and mentorship.
• The Oliva Helping Hands Foundation. Established in 2021, has been a beacon of hope for Nicaragua’s children and families, providing vital support in childcare, nutrition, education, and employment.

The evening also featured a fashion showcase and a culinary feast featuring Latin cuisine from local restaurants, including The Knife, BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse, 100 Montaditos, Metropol Restaurant, Carolina Ale House, ArepasMania, Vero Cooks, Fritanga El Volkan, Taste of Rio, and Artigiani.

The event’s rhythm was elevated with a live musical performance by Ecuadorian recording artists Adriana Parra and Jose Daniel Parra y su Banda con Altura. Proceeds from the event supported the Simon Youth Foundation, which empowers at-risk children in communities with a Simon Mall by assisting them in earning high school diplomas and providing scholarships for college.

Furthermore, the event was made possible through the generous sponsorship of Jackson Health, The Doral Family Journal, USA Bouquet, Ron Barcelo, and Marques de Riscal. Their support played a pivotal role in the event’s success and further underscored the commitment to celebrating Hispanic heritage in South Florida.

The celebration continued Saturday with family-friendly activities, an artisan expo, a flag display, and more. Attendees reveled in authentic folkloric music and dance performances, along with a fashion showcase highlighting the latest trends from Miami International Mall’s popular retailers.

Miami International Mall invites everyone to join in celebrating Hispanic heritage throughout the year, reaffirming its commitment to being a central hub of cultural diversity and expression as well as the preferred destination for businesses seeking to engage with the affluent Hispanic market.