In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, Cervecería La Tropical will be holding a reunion on September 16th at 6 p.m. After being forced to flee from Cuba and leave behind their family brewery in 1960, the families ventured out to Miami and opened a new brewery, keeping their Cuban heritage as the focus.
The brewery is known for having a tight-knit clientele of generational customers. Many people whose grandparents went to the one in Cuba now come here, to Wynwood, to enjoy the authentic craft brews. The event is open to everyone of all ages, especially Cuban-Americans wishing to share stories of their past and present.
“My favorite type of customer since our opening has been the multigenerational families who come because they have memories and personal experiences with La Tropical in Cuba and they want to share those with younger generations who may have not,” says CEO Manny Portuando, a fifth-generation descendent from one of the families who started La Tropical back in Cuba.
The reunion is supposed to reunite generations of families who have been long-time patrons of La Cervecería. Their goal is to share some of the heritage of their Cuban store to show to those who may not have had the opportunity to ever go. Guests are encouraged to share memories of their past and their Cuban heritage; photos and other memorabilia are also welcome.
See also: New Food Bazaar Dishing Out Miami's Favorite Restaurants
10% of sales that day will benefit The Foundation of Human Rights in Cuba. Tickets can be purchased for $10 through the event's page. The reunion is being orchestrated by Portuondo and Blanco-Herrera families. The brewery will be selling some of their signature beers, including La Original, whose recipe dates to 1888.
There will be live music by MoneySwagg, a band whose families have ties to La Tropical. Cuban artist Rigo Leon will also be unveiling a mural outside of the brewery on the same day. The mural is intended to raise awareness for the human rights crisis that has gone in Cuba for decades.
The brewery is located at 42 NE 25th Street in Wynwood. Be sure to check out their Instagram (@latropicalbeer) for real-time updates.
Photography by: Courtesy Aura Groupe, Cervecería La Tropical
