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Composer, conductor, trumpeter, lyricist, and businessman, Wilfrido Vargas is one of the greatest legends of Latin music and the undisputed king of merengue. Generations have enjoyed his music that continues to be wildly popular today and a mainstay of every Latin party and music festival.
Because of his contributions and achievements, his talent and perseverance, and his daring style and universal appeal, Wilfrido Vargas has been named King of Carnaval Miami 2021 by the Kiwanis of Little Havana.
Noche de Carnaval Miami, presented by University Health Care powered by Cano Health, is a family-friendly all-day music festival that will highlight Latin food, artisanal crafts, cultural exhibitions and music from all of the Latin communities in South Florida.
The event is Saturday, Aug. 28, from 2 to 11 p.m., at Miami-Dade County Fair & Exposition, 10901 SW 24 St.
“For the Kiwanis Club of Little Havana and our media partners Spanish Broadcasting System and VIVA LIVE TV, it’s an honor to recognize the 50-year career of the legendary king of merengue,” said Rick Gonzalez, Noche de Carnaval Miami chair and Kiwanis Club member.
This epic event will bring together the community in South Florida to celebrate Latin style with more than 30 music legends and rising stars sharing the stage and culminating with an electrifying performance by the newly crowned King of Carnaval Miami.
Vargas’s musical style is popular in his native country and around the world. And he has garnered a lifetime of impressive achievements and awards, including:
• Helped develop Latin music stars, such as Fernando Villalona, Las Chicas del Can, Edy Herrera, among others;
• Earned several gold and platinum records;
• Awarded recognition of Musical Excellence by the Latin Grammys;
• Performed with Fania All-Star at the 1979 Havana Jam Festival;
• Received the Orquídea de Oro (Golden Orchid) in Venezuela in 1981;
• Won the Gaviota de Plata (Silver Seagull) as a guest star at the Viña del Mar Festival in 1992;
• Decorated by the Dominican president Joaquín Balaguer with the Heraldic Order of Christopher Columbus in the rank of Knight in 1994, and
• Elected as grand marshal in the famous carnival from Barranquilla; he won the Congo de Oro award three times.
“Receiving this recognition as King of Carnaval Miami from one of the most important Latin music festivals in the United States is very special not only for me but also for merengue and my beloved Dominican Republic,” Vargas said. “I appreciate this opportunity to get together to celebrate life and my 50-year musical career with my fellow Dominicans!”
Vargas is creator of popular songs such as El Africano, El Loco y la Luna, Volveré, El Baile del Perrito, Comején, and El Jardinero.
Purchase tickets now at www.carnavalmiami.com.
For more information regarding Carnaval Miami and upcoming events, visit www.carnavalmiami.com.
The Kiwanis of Little Havana is an affiliate of Kiwanis International, a worldwide non-profit organization of volunteers dedicated to serving children in their communities. Founded in 1975, the Little Havana Chapter is known for using advanced fundraising initiatives, such as Carnaval Miami. Through the Kiwanis Little Havana Foundation, the club impacts thousands of families annually, with youth development programs including holiday giving, scholarships, youth summer camps, back to school, and more.
