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MULTICULTURALMIAMI

MULTICULTURAL

MAY 2025

Welcome to the GMCVB Multicultural Tourism and Development e-newsletter! This newsletter consists of GMCVB collaborations and business resources available on a local and national level. In addition, it contains a sampling of past department activities and upcoming in-person and virtual events in Greater Miami and Miami Beach.

WHAT'S NEW

Celebrate Diverse Heritages in May

In May, following Diversity Awareness Month, we celebrate multiple heritages! This month, explore and celebrate  Haitian Heritage, Jewish American Heritage, and Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Visit our Multicultural Miami page to discover our diverse tapestry of cultures expressed through art, music, food, and unique experiences. Cultural celebrations promote respect and open-mindedness towards other cultures. By celebrating our differences alongside our common interests, we unite and educate ourselves. Embrace the opportunity to understand different perspectives, broaden our own, and fully immerse ourselves in cultural exploration. Explore our heritage communities at Multicultural Miami.

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Miami-Dade's Asian-American Advisory Board Invites You to Celebrate!

In celebration of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month, the Miami-Dade County Asian American Advisory Board, in collaboration with the Office of Community Advocacy, proudly invites you to a vibrant series of performances and special events. Join us as we honor the rich cultures, traditions, and contributions of these diverse communities through music, dance, storytelling, and more. Experience the beauty and spirit of AANHPI heritage at festivities designed to inspire, educate, and unite our community. Click here for details.

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Sunday Evening Jazz at the Red Rooster

Spend your Sunday evenings immersed in the soulful sounds of live jazz at the Red Rooster in Historic Overtown, where music and history come alive. This series celebrates the neighborhood’s legendary jazz legacy, with a fresh lineup of talented performers each week. Each act pays homage to Overtown’s iconic role in shaping America’s jazz scene. Don’t miss this chance to experience world-class music in a setting steeped in cultural heritage. Click here to learn more about the featured performers and join us in keeping the spirit of Overtown’s jazz tradition alive.

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Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau's State of the Travel and Tourism Industry Presentation

Mark your calendar for May 29 and join us at our Annual State of the Tourism & Hospitality Industry presentation, taking place in the Bloom Ballroom at Jungle Island. Gain valuable insights into the latest trends, achievements, and opportunities shaping our industry. Following the presentation, enjoy a reception and Business Expo, where you’ll have the chance to network with key leaders, discover innovative products and services, and build lasting connections. Plus, all attendees will be entered for a chance to win exciting prizes. Register here. 

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Miami Beach Jewish History Talk

Step into the fascinating story of Miami Beach’s Jewish community at the Free Miami Beach Jewish History Talk! Hosted at the historic Jewish Museum of Florida- Florida International University, this enlightening event invites you to journey through the rich cultural heritage that has helped shape one of the world’s most vibrant cities. Discover compelling stories, remarkable milestones, and the enduring legacy of Jewish life in Miami Beach, all while connecting with fellow history enthusiasts. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to celebrate and learn in an inspiring setting. Click here to learn more about these talks.

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Haitian Compas Festival

Get ready for an electrifying celebration of Haitian culture at the 27th annual Haitian Compas Festival. A major and historic change: The festival on May 17 will be relocating to NOMI Village in North Miami. The move to North Miami means the same world-class performances, high energy, and cultural pride, just closer to the heart of the Haitian community. Experience the heart and soul of Haiti through the infectious sounds of Compas, Zouk, and vibrant Caribbean rhythms. Recognized as one of the top ten outdoor festivals in the United States, this event is a beloved tradition in the Haitian community. Don’t miss your chance to dance, connect, and celebrate in the spirit of unity and joy. Click here to check out this year’s incredible lineup and all the festival details!

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FESTIVALS & EVENTS

Cuba Nostalgia

Celebrate the sights, sounds, and soul of Cuba at Cuba Nostalgia, South Florida’s premier Cuban cultural gathering, returning for its spectacular 25th anniversary! Taking place May 17–18 at the Miami-Dade County Fair & Exposition Center, this weekend extravaganza invites you to immerse yourself in the heart of Cuban heritage. Stroll through vibrant interactive exhibits, admire captivating art displays, and explore the island’s rich history through rare and fascinating artifacts. Be transported to Havana with life-sized replicas of legendary landmarks like El Floridita, La Catedral de la Habana, and the world-famous Tropicana nightclub. Whether you’re reliving memories or discovering new ones, Cuba Nostalgia is a celebration you won’t want to miss!

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HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY EDUCATION

Meaningful Travel Roadshow: Greater Miami, Florida

The Tourism Cares 2025 Meaningful Travel Roadshow is a series of programs designed to broaden the industry’s understanding of sustainable tourism through events held across three North American locations. Join us May 15-16 for the first stop of the 2025 Meaningful Travel Roadshow in Greater Miami, Florida! Discover how this dynamic cultural hub is leading the way in sustainability—balancing urban growth with efforts to restore marine ecosystems, reduce food waste, and revitalize communities. The education sessions will take place at The Black Archives Historic Lyric Theater in Historic Overtown. Miami offers an inspiring look at what it means to travel with purpose and build a greener future. Click here to learn more and see the schedule of events.

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ART OF BLACK MIAMI

MUCE Summer Series Presents Joined at the Roots: The Haitian American Bond Exhibition

Kicking off Haitian Heritage Month, My Urban Contemporary Experience (MUCE) will feature its newest exhibit at the Little Haiti Cultural Complex now through August 30. This multi-sensory exhibition explores the mutual impact of Haitian and American communities through paintings, sculpture, photography, archival materials, live performances, artist talks, culinary experiences, and language. Guests will embark on an immersive journey through food, music, art, fashion, language, and rituals—celebrating a cultural legacy that is both ancient and evolving. For more information, visit My Urban Contemporary Experience.

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BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT & RESOURCES

Unlocking the AI Advantage: A 2-Day Interactive Bootcamp for Small Businesses

GMCVB Tourism Business Enhancement Presents Unlocking the AI Advantage: A 2-Day Interactive Bootcamp for Small Businesses is built for owners ready to streamline, simplify, and scale. Over two dynamic days, you'll learn how to harness artificial intelligence to automate tasks, boost marketing, drive sales optimization, and overall business productivity. With hands-on practice, real-world examples, and beginner-friendly tools, you’ll leave ready to put AI to work for you — no tech expertise needed. Session takes place in person on May 28 at the Overtown Performing Arts Center and via Zoom on May 30.To register and learn more, click here.

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COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

Haitian Legacy Heritage Month

Miami-Dade County Commissioner Marleine Bastien warmly invites the community to celebrate the vibrant spirit of Haitian culture throughout the month of May in honor of Haitian Heritage Cultural Month. This annual celebration highlights the richness of Haitian art, music, and cuisine through a dynamic lineup of events. Highlights include the beloved Little Haiti Book Festival, the energetic Sounds of Little Haiti concert series, and many more cultural experiences. For a full schedule of events, including locations, dates, and times, be sure to check out the 2025 Haitian Heritage Cultural Month Calendar, available online through this link. 

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BHI SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

H.O.T. Challenge Golf Tournament

Join us for the 32nd Annual GMCVB Hospitality Open Tournament, better known as the H.O.T. Challenge this Friday May 9th at the JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa. Enjoy camaraderie, competition, and community impact as we support the BHI Scholarship Program. Your participation helps provide essential tuition assistance for our students. Click here for more details on schedule and sponsorship opportunities, and to register.

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CONVENTIONS, LEISURE & TRAVEL

Next Month:  The American Black Film Festival

Mark your calendars! The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) will celebrate its 29th anniversary on Miami Beach from June 11-15. The ABFF brings together Black culture enthusiasts, artists, executives and filmmakers from around the world for five days of screenings, talk events, exclusive parties and high-powered networking.  The event is considered the nation’s largest gathering of Black film and TV enthusiasts. Continue the festivities during the virtual segment of the festival June 16-23 on ABFF Play. Click here for event details.

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Explore Top Attractions & Museums in April and May

Culture seekers and families in search for adventure can visit Greater Miami and Miami Beach to discover various attractions and museums special offers ranging from incredible admission savings, BOGO deals, and more. From animal encounters to exclusive museum exhibitions to the arts and outdoor adventures, there is something for everyone with incredible savings for two whole months. 

Discover Your Adventure 

SUSTAINABLE TOURISM

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MTDD PHOTO ALBUM

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HERITAGE MONTH

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GEMS IN HISTORY

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@VISITMIAMI

HAPPY 100th BIRTHDAY @CityofCoralGables 🥳

We cannot believe it’s already been a century of the City Beautiful. If you want to experience the history of Coral Gables, we suggest visiting and learning about the following structures which are all almost 100 years old!

@TheBiltmoreMiami
Alhambra Water Tower
@BooksAndBooks
@CoralGablesMuseum

How will you be celebrating this impressive milestone? Let us know down below!

📸: @meghan.margo

@VISITMIAMI

Miami is blessed with soooo amazing places to eat 😋🌴

If you are looking for a low-key, local spot to get a delicious dinner check out these options:

🍜 @LungYaiThai
🌮 @SrDeLosTacos
🎣 @ShoretoDoorFishMarket

Do you have a favorite hidden gem in Miami? Drop them below!

Brought To You By Tourism

MEET THE MULTICULTURAL TOURISM & DEVELOPMENT TEAM

Connie Kinnard

CONNIE KINNARD

Senior VP, Multicultural Tourism & Development

Send email
Petra Brennan

PETRA BRENNAN

Senior Dir., Tourism Business Enhancement, Multicultural Tourism & Development

Send email
Herlinda Lombardi

HERLINDA LOMBARDI

Program Manager, Multicultural Tourism & Development

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Ella Pedre

ELLA PEDRE

Coordinator, Multicultural Tourism & Development

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Graylyn Swilley-Woods, Ph. D.

GRAYLYN SWILLEY-WOODS, PH.D.

Executive Director, BHI, Multicultural Tourism & Development

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Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau
201 S. Biscayne Blvd., Suite 2200, Miami, FL 33131

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