CALLE OCHO TURNS 30! sneak preview documentary of Calle Ocho.

On Thursday, February 7th at 7 PM at the Tower Theater, located at 1508 S.W. Calle Ocho, the Kiwanis Club of Little Havana presented a sneak preview of “Calle Ocho – 30 years and Counting”, a documentary celebrating the history and color of the largest Hispanic festival in the country.

Produced and directed by Bill Teck, the television special will air on PBS – locally in April, and nationally in October as part of Hispanic Heritage Month. The documentary showcases Calle Ocho through the decades, including historical photos and news clips from the era. Corporate sponsors take played a significant role in the beginning were Budweiser, The Miami Herald, Ford Motor Company, Coca Cola and Colgate Palmolive.

During Thursday’s ceremony, the official artwork commissioned from Cuban-American artist David “LEBO” Le Batard for the 30th anniversary of Calle Ocho was unveiled. The official Calle Ocho song, as interpreted by international recording artist Albita Rodriguez, will also be released.

Dr. Ricardo Gonzalez, President of the Kiwanis Club of Little Havana, presided over the ceremony. “What started in 1978 as a 15-block party to showcase Cuban culture in Miami has become the Pan-American showcase it is today. Thanks to the support of the many corporate and media sponsors, our organization has been able to produce a world class event for the enjoyment of the entire community.”

Long standing corporate sponsor Anheuser-Busch hosted the reception following the documentary preview. Anheuser-Busch and Bud Light will also be a sponsor of the Vizcaya Gala Event and will host the Bud Light Musical Super Site at Calle Ocho on March 16, featuring the best in music and entertainment.

“Anheuser-Busch and Bud Light are proud to have been a part of the success of Calle Ocho since the beginning,” said Paco Bendana, director of community relations, Anheuser-Busch. “Not only does the celebration bring the community together through the efforts of Kiwanis of Little Havana, it’s for a great cause – educating our children.”

The Kiwanis Club of Little Havana is a non-profit organization established in 1975 with the purpose of serving the youth of South Florida with educational, athletic and recreational programs that begin at infancy and through college graduation.