The Federación de Estudiantes Cubanos kicks off its annual Week of Cuban Culture Friday with an opening ceremony at the University of Miami's Student Center Complex Lakeside Patio Stage.
The celebration of Cuban culture will continue for six days with talks by invited Cuban community leaders, the rich flavor of spices, the enchanting colors of art, and the intoxicating rhythms of music, culminating at noon on Thursday, March 5 with Cuban “Carnaval” at the UC Rock.
Throughout the week, the FEC’s Jose Marti’s Service Drive will be collecting children’s books to benefit Chapman Partnership, a nonprofit organization that empowers homeless men, women and children in South Florida. Drop-off bins will be available at every event.
At Friday’s opening ceremony, Cuban American actress Ana Villafañe will be honored with this year’s YUCA (Young Urban Cuban American) Award, which recognizes outstanding Cuban leaders who take the time to do something spectacular and out of the ordinary for their community, and for a cause.
Previous YUCA Award recipients include Hurricanes Basketball Coach Jim Larrañaga, Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, and salsa singer Willy Chirino.
Mark your calendars for these other events:
Saturday, February 28 – “Los Huracanes”
Party on the Patio at the Miami Hurricanes vs. Wright State Baseball Game. Come out to the ball game and join FEC in America’s favorite pastime. First pitch is set for 7 p.m. at Mark Light Field on the Coral Gables campus.
Sunday, March 1 – Bar-B-Qban
At 2:30 p.m. on the Foote Green, FEC members, family, alumni, and the UM community are invited to a field day and barbecue.
Monday, March 2 – Abuelita’s Breakfast
A traditional Cuban breakfast will be served from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the UCRock Plaza.
Monday, March 2 — Pedro Pan Exodus Forum
This forum is for students and University community members interested in learning about the exodus of 14,000 children from Cuba from the “Pedro Pan” children who were sent to the United States by their parents after the start of the Cuban revolution. The forum begins at 6:30 p.m. in the Student Activities Center Ballroom East and will feature a Q&A session.
Tuesday, March 3 – “Azucar” and Fashion Show
Beginning at 12 p.m. on the UC Rock, this event provides a taste of different Cuban desserts and traditional baked goods, and a showcase for guayabera designs modeled by student leaders and administration.
Tuesday, March 3 – Special Screening of “Scarface”
Sponsored by the Cinematic Arts Commission, “Scarface” will screen at 8 p.m. at the UM Bill Cosford Cinema. Join FEC for a reception, beginning at 7 p.m., prior to the screening. Admission is free for UM students with their ’Cane Card.
Wednesday, March 4 – Discover Cuba
“Discover Cuba” will start at 12 p.m. on the UC Rock Plaza, with live cooking demonstrations and a variety of stations promoting and exhibiting Cuban culture and history.
Wednesday, March 4 – Domino Ef-FEC-t
At 6 p.m., FEC will host a friendly domino tournament on the SAC Moss Terrace. Compete, win prizes, and learn who will be declared domino champion at the end of the night.
Thursday, March 5 – Cuban “Carnaval”
The week’s largest event, the Cuban Carnival, will begin at 12 p.m. on the UC Rock Plaza. Carnaval provides an explosion of Cuban flavor through a series of different activities. Vendors from the local Miami community will display Cuban art and artifacts, and food will be served.
All events are free and open to the University community and the public. For more information, visit the FEC website, FEC’s Facebook page, or email fec@miami.edu.
