Calle Ocho Draws Massive Crowd

POSTED: Monday, March 15,

UPDATED: 8:51 am EST March 15, 2004

MIAMI -- An estimated 1 million people took to Calle Ocho this weekend for the biggest block party in the world.

Partyers filled more than 20 blocks, listening and dancing to their favorite bands and eating food from across Latin America. Dozens of street vendors offered dishes ranging from Colombian corn arepas and Chilean beef empanadas to Mexican chicken tacos and Cuban tamales.

While the festival halted traffic in the area, police have not reported any major problems or arrests.

The Little Havana Kiwanis Club created the festival of food and music to introduce Cuban culture to South Florida 26 years ago. Now Calle Ocho is a celebration of all things Latin.

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