Did you know that Key West is closer to Havana than it is to Miami? Come out from March 13 - 26, for the Cuban Cultural Exposition & Hot Havana Nights, to learn and enjoy the Cuban influence on Key West culture and history.
In 1890, Key West had a population of nearly 18,800. It was the largest – and wealthiest – city in Florida. Half of the residents were said to be of Cuban origin; Key West regularly had Cuban mayors. Cubans were reportedly actively involved in 200 factories in town, producing 100 million cigars annually. Beginning in 1891, Jose Marti made several visits to seek recruits for Cuban independence, and Marti founded the Cuban Revolutionary Party during his visits to Key West. 
Did you know that Pan American Airlines was actually founded in Key West? It was originally developed to fly visitors to Havana in 1926. And, before the Cuban revolution in 1959, we had regular ferry and airplane services between Key West and Havana.
Our connection with Cuba runs deep, and we celebrate it in March!
There will be food, music and entertainment – all with strong Spanish influence that we love so much. Cuban food relies a great deal on roots and tubers, such as malanga, potatoes, boniatos, and yucca. Other starchy foods include plantains, bananas, and rice. Some dishes you might recognize are moros y cristianos (black beans and rice), lechon asado (slow roasted pork), and pollo en salsa (chicken in sauce). Also, a tortilla in Cuba is a simple egg omelet, and is not at all similar to a Mexican tortilla. Cubans love pizza, too – some favorite toppings include ham, chorizo, and onion. Yum!
Music will be Latin – and hot – but we feel confident that the weather will be perfect as usual! Cuban music has been immensely influential in other countries. It contributed not only to the development of jazz and salsa, but also to tangos from Argentina, Ghanaian high-life, West African Afrobeat, Dominican Bachata and Merengue, Colombian Cumbia and my favorite – the Spanish Nuevo flamenco!
For information about the Cuban Cultural Exposition & Hot Havana Nights, please call 305-296-1504. And to find your dream home in the Florida Keys, call me – I'll be happy to show you the perfect Key West property!
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