A mural to honor Emilio and Gloria Estefan’s Miami legacy has been unveiled as part of a nonprofit project that aims to keep Cuban-American history alive in and around Little Havana.
“To me, my parents have always been so great to me, but it’s amazing to see them preserved in one of their finest moments in 80s Miami, which we all know was an amazing time. in Miami”, Nayib Estefan, says the son of Emilio and Gloria.
Gloria and Emilio Estefan were unable to attend the event but left a heartfelt acceptance speech.
The mural is part of an effort by the KCULL Life Foundation, a nonprofit organization that aims to beautify Calle Ocho, Little Havana and what the organization calls neglected communities.
The mural is located next to the iconic La Casa de los Trucos in Little Havana and was painted by renowned local artist Disem 305.
Courtesy: @joecarollonow
“We donated the wall and it was the decision to put Gloria Estefan and Emilio Estefan on the wall to commemorate their life, their legacy, their family and what they have done to this community, which is amazing and for to see them flourish because they have the meteoric rise he had in the 80s,” said Jorge Torres, director of La Casa de los Trucos.
This isn’t the first time KCULL has honored Cuban-American culture through art.
The founder says he did something similar with another Cuban legend, Celia Cruz.
“Miami is an arts destination, so we’re just sharing history through art,” said Walter Santiago, founder of KCULL.
For Nayib Estefan, it’s a moment of closure.
“I’m very honored, especially because it’s linked to Casa de los Trucos, a place where I spent my whole life growing up with my grandparents. Now my son comes here almost every day, so to see that is honestly a magical and amazing thing,” Estefan said.