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Miami-Dade’s eighth oldest incorporated municipality will commemorate its founding history with a morning unveiling of the Opa-locka Heritage Trail, followed by an afternoon village showcase, the MENA Fest on Saturday, April 13, 2024. Celebrating the city’s 97-year history and an architectural motif tied to the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), the inaugural MENA Fest will feature food vendors, authentic Moroccan merchandise, dance and music performances, and more.
Located on the grounds of the historic fire station and city hall buildings at 151 Perviz Avenue, Opa-locka, Florida, MENA Fest will bring authentic Middle Eastern and North African vendors to the historic downtown. In addition to unique culinary experiences, family-friendly activities and scheduled programming will be available, including a belly dancer workshop, musical acts, archery, chess and board games, as well as a guided walking tour of historic downtown Opa-locka. Along the Trail’s path, visitors will be welcomed to the Ten North Arts Foundation exhibit, “Evidence of Contrary Instincts”, a celebration of Women’s History Month.
The Opa-locka Heritage Trail, located along a rectangular route in the downtown business district, is a project of the Opa-locka Preservation Association, funded by Ten North Group, and supported by the City of Opa-locka, is an interpretive historic trail installation created in 15 chapters, reminiscent of the Arabian Nights Entertainments novel of which the architectural identity of the city was informed. With never-before-seen images and untold stories from 1926 and on, the Trail will bring new life and interest in the industries and people that shaped and made Opa-locka, one of the most exciting places to live in America. Opa-locka’s historic architecture, defined as Moorish Revival, is the largest collection of its kind in North America and was pioneer aviator Glenn Curtiss’ third – and last – themed housing project in South Florida during the Florida Land Boom of the 1920s.
The ribbon cutting ceremony for the Opa-locka Heritage Trail will begin promptly at 11 a.m. and welcome dignitaries and officials from all over South Florida. MENA Fest will begin thereafter at 12 (noon) until 5 p.m., with programming being scheduled throughout the day.
MENA Fest is free to the public and is being produced by Ten North Group, the City of Opa-locka, and the Opa-locka Preservation Association. For more information and to confirm your attendance, visit www.discoveropalocka.org/menafest .
