Colors of Miami - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

Miami is an established place of holding the largest in the world orchid exhibition. The International Orchid Festival takes place in the middle of May and lasts commonly for three days. The festival is considered to be the most outstanding event in the cultural life of the city. The florists from more than 60 countries of the world are participating in the event. Visitors of the exhibition get a unique chance to enjoy thousands of orchid species and other exotic plants. The Miami festival essentially differs from other floristic exhibitions one may visit in other cities of the world.

During the festival numerous lectures and master classes are held at which the expert florists will share the secrets of growing flowers and will cover other interesting topics of cooking and healing qualities of exotic plants. The participants of the Festival may not only enjoy the flowers and plants of ultimate beauty but purchase some desired specimen.

The same challenging and attractive for foreign tourists will be the Independence Day celebrated on the 4th of July. The fest is celebrated in every city and town of the United States, however the celebration of the holiday in Miami features some peculiar traits and traditions. Few days prior to the holiday the local people decorate the streets of the city with bright ribbons and air balloons of blue, white and red colors. Almost each building features a wind shaking national flag. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

In the day time the citizens give preference to the family leisure. Many set off to the suburban areas or to the beaches to enjoy delicious barbecue and outdoor recreation. On the 4th of July the city dies out, the streets are sinking in silence and the pedestrians and cars are rather rare. However at nightfall things are changing and after the grand fire show Miami turns into the upscale night club.

The loud music and airy laugh is heard everywhere. People are relaxing right in the street, dancing in the open air, tryinh treats and drinks in the sidewalk cafes. The folk festival lasts till the early morning. On the 4th of July all the restaurants, cafes and bars are open till the dawn. Only by 7 am of the next day the visitors are leaving the entertaining establishments. The citizens go home to recharge and build up the strength after the most significant national holiday.

Miami festivals are not limited to Independence Day only - locals know how to celebrate interesting events. This is evidenced by the world-famous electronic music festival called Ultra (or UMF). Gathering about three hundred thousand music lovers in one place (Bayfront Park) and at one time (end of March), it is considered to be one of the largest musical events in the world. Just look at the names of the headliners who have appeared on its stage at different times - Armin van Buuren, Prodigy, David Guetta, Tiesto - and realize why the event is so popular. In addition to the music program, visitors can enjoy light and fire shows, as well as dance performances.

Jazz fans will appreciate the three-day Miami Downtown Jazz Festival, which takes place at the end of the second spring month in the same Bayfront Park. Here they play not only jazz but also related genres such as blues, funk, soul. Many people are attracted by the festival's warm friendly atmosphere, which makes it possible to create a direct dialogue between the listener and the performer. Another jazz event taking place in mid-November is the Sunny Isles Beach Jazz Fest, which is held in Gateway Park. Eminent headliners are invited to both music festivals so that no one gets bored. However, this is also a great opportunity to discover new names in jazz.

One of the most popular and colorful events in the festival life of Miami is the Calle Ocho Festival, which takes place in the world-famous quarter and demonstrates Pan-American culture in all its glory. This happens through music, dancing, shows, theatrical performances, local cuisine, traditional games and competitions. At that time, the pearl of the North American Riviera is visited by over a million people. Many people are eagerly awaiting the carnival all year, starting from the moment it ends. The festival got several records in the Guinness Book of Records. For example, in 1990, the world's longest pinata (Mexican hollow toy) was created specifically for the event, and the longest cigar was designed for the festival in 2000.

Fans of event tourism will be happy to attend an event dedicated to architectural art. It is held at the end of the first winter month and is called Art Deco Weekend. At this time, visitors can admire works of art at the opening exhibitions, taste local dishes, and explore local attractions as part of a thematic tour. The festival takes place in the best suitable place for this - the Art Deco Museum. Of equal interest is the Miami International Boat Show held in early February, especially for those who cannot imagine their life without vivid impressions of aesthetic enjoyment. Besides the regatta, visitors to the festival can enjoy ship fairs where luxury yachts or boats are sold at attractive prices.