by Kimberley Heit

Created on: February 16, 2009   Last Updated: February 19, 2009

Fidel Castro not only changed the fate of Cuba, but the future of Miami when he began to enforce a communist rule in Havana, in 1959. Initially middle and upper class Cubans fled north to Miami, they were followed by the working class and a collection of Fidel's cast offs. Subsequently Miami became home to the greatest Cuban population outside of Cuba. Hence, the city of Miami is full of Cuban flavor like; salsa bars, merengue music, festivals and cuban cuisine.

From the 1960's Fidel Castro's fierce rule saw people executed just for making anti-Castro sentiments. In 1965 some 100,000 Cubans left Havana for Miami. However, it was not smooth sailing for these Cubans; they not only had to face anti white racism, but riots with the African American population as they were seen as a threat to jobs in this demographic.

When Fidel signed a proclamation allowing Cubans to freely leave Cuba in the late 1970's more then 100,000 Cubans again arrived in Miami. This time it was the working class. They traversed the 90 miles of sea between Cuba and Miami on virtually anything that would float, all in the promise of a better life. Fidel also unloaded his prisoners and mentally ill patients on Miami during this time.

The increased strain on Miami's infrastructure only heightened racial tensions further and the ensuing riots and violence caused white Americans to flee Miami in droves. Large scale poverty contributed to Miami becoming rife with drug dealers, most notably cocaine dealers. During the 1980's it was not unusual for the city of Miami to experience several drug related shootings each week. The law struggled in vain to keep on top of it all.

In a strange twist, a television show is credited with creating the Miami we know today. The television show Miami Vice effectively re-branded the city of Miami. Celebrities and the fashion set began to flock to Miami for the beautiful weather, palm trees and beaches. Miami became known around the world as a commercial tourist locale, with a great party atmosphere.

By 1992 the crime level had dropped to a much more moderate level, fairly in line with that of an average American city. Blacks, whites and Latinos settled into some form of truce, although tensions still exists today.

If you'd like to experience the Cuban flavor in full then head to Little Havana, Miami. It is the most heavily Cuban populated part of Miami and a surrogate homeland. You'll hear salsa music up and down the streets; you can sip mojito cocktails, or try a traditional Cuban sandwich, which is something like a grilled art form.

A visit to the El credito Cigar factory between Calle Ocho and 11th Avenue, can yield you some fine cigars. The Cuban Museum of the Americas houses Cuban artwork, historical artifacts and political memorabilia. The Ermita de la Caridad (Cuban catholic church) set right of the edge of the Biscane Bay is an interesting architecture to behold. Or simply stop at one of the Cuban style holes in the wall that serve up coffee, snacks and a chat.

Cuban culture has contributed to Miami becoming known for their hot clubs and Cuban cuisine is favored by many. Some of the best Cuban restaurants in Miami include; Versailles restaurant and Isla Canarias. Finally, many Cubans have made their mark on American soil. For example, singer Gloria Estefan, actors; Any Garcia, Cameron Diaz and Eva Mendes and too many sporting stars to count.

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