HIALEAH, FL [March 25, 2026] — More than 8,000 people gathered at Milander Park Tuesday evening for the “Free Cuba Rally,” led by Mayor Bryan Calvo and co-hosted by Alex Otaola, founder of the Cuban Anti-Communist Foundation. The event marked a powerful show of unity from South Florida’s Cuban exile community and its allies, bringing together residents, elected officials, and prominent voices from across the diaspora around a clear demand: a truly free Cuba.
The rally featured remarks from State Senator Ileana Garcia, Rosa María Payá, José Daniel Ferrer, Los Pichy Boys, Alex Otaola, Orlando Boronat, Carlos Otero, and Mima y Yoel, alongside performances by Amaury Gutiérrez, Yotuel, El Chacal, Jacob Forever, Los 3 de La Habana, DJ Yus, El Inva, Lena Burke, and Abraham Ruiz. The program reflected both the cultural and political force of a community shaped by exile and sustained by a shared sense of purpose.
In his keynote address, Mayor Calvo spoke from personal experience as the son of a Mariel-era exile, grounding his message in the reality faced by families on the island and the lessons carried by those who left. He warned against accepting superficial reforms or negotiated arrangements that leave the current power structure intact, calling instead for a transition rooted in accountability, individual liberty, and democratic governance.
“Cuba will not trade one form of control for another; the people have endured too much, lost too much, to settle for anything less than true freedom,” said Mayor Calvo.
The rally underscored Hialeah’s historic role as a leading voice within the Cuban exile community. Throughout the evening, speakers and attendees emphasized that the current moment demands clarity, not compromise, and that any path forward must reflect the sacrifices made over generations by those who fled the regime and those still living under it.
Tuesday night’s turnout and message reflected a community that remains deeply engaged, organized, and unwilling to accept anything short of full political freedom for the Cuban people.
Media Contact
Jeannette Casal · +1 (786) 266-4264 · jcasal@hialeahfl.gov
About the City of Hialeah
The City of Hialeah, incorporated in 1925, is the sixth largest municipality in Florida, serving over 233,000 residents living in approximately 20-square miles. Hialeah, located in NW Miami-Dade County, has a Hispanic population of over 94%. A working class community, Hialeah is viewed as an industrial city that continues to grow. “The City of Progress” as known to many, is home to many Cuban exiles. The City of Hialeah is a full service city offering quality and affordable services to residents of all ages and abilities. Hialeah is a vibrant, family-oriented community marked by cultural heritage and traditions known for its myriad of mom and pop stores which productively compete against national retail and restaurant chains and franchises.