Teresa “Terri” Callava, a driving force behind two of Little Havana’s top cultural events, the Calle Ocho Music Festival and Carnaval on the Mile, has died at 64 following a battle with cancer.
For 36 years, Callava worked at the Kiwanis Club of Little Havana, generating more than $70 million for young people through community project initiatives like college scholarships, summer camps, sports leagues and back-to-school assistance drives.
“Teresa was the epitome of passion and lived her life every day that way,” says Jorge Fernandez, organization president. “Teresa’s fervor for the Kiwanis of Little Havana’s cause was infinite, and her legacy will always be honored.”
“Terri had a zest for life that was contagious; her spirit infectious, and the love she shared with so many profound,” said her family in a statement. “For Callava, ‘La Vida es un Carnaval.’ The heart and soul of our family, the nucleus of it all, we are forever blessed to have had her in our lives and her absence will be forever felt.”
Over the years, Carnaval on the Mile and Calle Ocho, held every spring, grew into iconic cultural events showcasing the best of Hispanic culture in Miami – food and drink, music and – of course – dancing in the streets. Carnaval on the Mile in Coral Gables, the slightly more sedate event, features multiple soundstages and booths of artwork and food. Calle Ocho, a week later, is billed as the world’s longest block party, along 20 blocks of Little Havana. Callava was an integral part in the creation of these events.
Funeral arrangements are forthcoming. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Teresa Callava Legacy Fund.
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