Every January, Art Deco Weekend turns South Beach into a sea of fringe and pincurls. Over 300,000 people gather in Miami's historic district to celebrate the Jazz Age.
In this travel video, host La Carmina explores Ocean Drive's pastel hotels, a retro runway show, classic cars, and a speakeasy gala. Don't miss the "jazz hands" at the end.
Many Art Deco Weekend activities are free, making it a great outing for students and families.
Guides led two-hour walking tours for every type of interest: Latino, LGBT, Deco nights, Gangster cocktails, MiMo (Miami Modernism). During the Gay and Lesbian tour, I learned about iconic buildings such as the Carlyle Hotel, where The Birdcage was filmed.
A line of vintage automobiles, from the early 20th century to the 1980s, snaked down Ocean Drive. The Welcome Center displayed antique-style furniture and paintings of flappers. I stopped by the Wolfsonian-FIU museum, a treasure trove of works from 1885-1945, including the iconic Wrestler statue.
Models strutted the runway in Bettie Page's bombshell designs. I particularly liked the cat-eye sunglasses and flirty swimsuits.
My invitation to the VIP Gala read: "Come as a Flapper, or come as you are. Dress like a Gangster, or a Silent Movie Star." Two coat-tails gave me a "secret key," and I entered a Roaring Twenties speakeasy. In the video, you can see us doing the Charleston to live music by the South Florida Jazz Orchestra.
Isn't 1920-30s culture the cat's meow? Cheers to the Miami Design Preservation League for keeping Art Deco alive. For further Miami, Florida reports, visit La Carmina blog.
Where to stay: I enjoyed the personalized service and at-home feel of The Betsy Hotel. The location is ideal, with the beach across the road, and the Deco Center a five-minute walk away.
