Traffic alert: Three Kings Day parade in Miami to shut down major streets

Three Kings Day will be celebrated in a major way with this weekend’s parade in Little Havana. And that major way involves street closings.

The free street festival is expected to attract thousands of people along Southwest Eight Street, from 17th to 27th avenues. The festivities run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. The parade starts at noon.

The event marks the end of the Christmas season in Miami, marking the Epiphany, which recalls the account of the gift-bearing Three Kings, or Magi, who followed a star to find baby Jesus in Bethlehem. Three Kings Day was Jan. 6, but the parade and celebration usually runs the Sunday after the holiday.

Here’s what to know:

What streets will be closed during the parade and festivities?

• Eastbound traffic on Southwest Eighth Street will detour at 27th Avenue.
• Westbound traffic on Southwest Seventh Street will be detoured at 12th Avenue.
• People attending the parade are encouraged to use public transportation. Pick-ups and drop-offs will be kept outside the parade parameters.

What will the parade look like?

The Three Kings Day parade features decorated vehicles, community groups, walking participants and floats. A main stage at Southwest Eighth Street and 22nd Avenue will offer live entertainment through the day.

Who are the featured guests on the main stage?

Pop star and Miami native Camila Cabello will receive the key to the city at the parade on Sunday as a special honoree.

Musicians will perform on a main stage and other celebrities will make appearances. Musicians include Motiff, Carlos Nevarez, Eflat, Starlyn Benitez, Jonathan Moly, Jimmy Rodriguez, Tony Succar, Ronald Borjas, and Proyecto Uno. DJ Xtreme will provide music between sets.

Radio host Enrique Santos and actress Dayanara Torres will host the event. The parade grand marshal is Migbelis Castellanos, a Venezeulan media personality.

Are Little Havana businesses open during the parade?

A spokesperson for the parade said that people who attend are encouraged to support the open businesses along the parade route.

Michael Butler

Miami Herald

Michael Butler writes about minority business and trends that affect marginalized professionals in South Florida. As a business reporter for the Miami Herald, he tells inclusive stories that reflect South Florida’s diversity. Just like Miami’s diverse population, Butler, a Temple University graduate, has both local roots and a Panamanian heritage.