CELEBRACIONES

The Miami Buena Vista Biltmore Lions Club

is proud to host for the second year at the

14th edition of Cuba Nostalgia in Miami:

The Cuban Lions' Years 

Its Glories, Triumphs, and Tragedies (1927 - 1965) 

and its extension to the Cuban Exile Community  

The Lions Club International, founded in 1917 by a group of businessmen in Chicago, Illinois and led by Melvin Jones, arrived in Cuba in 1927 and quickly extended itself throughout becoming a highly respected organization. During its peak period in the late 1950's, Cuba had 6,600 members in 121 Clubs divided in six districts each with their own District Governor and their supporting cabinet. These were all responsible, professionals and businessmen that dedicated their lives to better those less fortunate creating and becoming benefactors of notable institutions such as schools, hospitals, and orphanages such as the famous Casa Cuna. These prominent individuals  soon became Lion Leaders at the international level producing many International Council Members and an illustrious International President. 

Cuba also celebrated many National Conventions as well as the first International Convention outside the United States. Unfortunately, the early 60's brought oppression to Lions in Cuba and in 1964 the Castro regime executed three of Cuba's most notable Lion  leaders of the day, bring the demise of the Lions Club in Cuba as early as 1965.

Cubans brought their Lion's heart to New York, New Jersey, and Florida, establishing Clubs that still exist today and are part of the world's largest volunteer service organization with 1.35 million members and growing.

We invite you to share their story through documents, photos, and memorabilia at

Cuba Nostalgia - Miami Fair Expo Center

Coral Way and SW 112 Avenue

Miami, Florida 

                                                

Friday, May 18, 2011 - 11:00am - 11:00pm

Saturday, May 19, 2011 - 11:00am - 11:00pm

Sunday, May 20, 2011 - 11:00am - 10:00pm  

Sunday, May 20 at 2:00pm - Lions' Booth 

Tribute to Fallen Lions- Martyrs of the Castro Regime

Dr. Alberto Fernandez Medrano

Manuel Paradela Gomez

Dr. Marcelino Martinez Tapia

and to our distinguished

 Past International President Dr. Ramiro Collazo

  For more information, please visit:

 www.cubanostalgia.org   and   www.lionsclubs.org