New Don Quijote Sculpture Debuts on Española Way
Española Way Unveils Monumental Don Quijote Sculpture in Miami Beach
A new cultural landmark celebrating heritage, creativity, and community.
Miami Beach, FL — May 7, 2026 — The Española Way Association, in partnership with Vida & Estilo Hospitality Group, proudly announces the unveiling of a monumental Don Quijote sculpture on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. along the iconic Española Way in Miami Beach.
The unveiling ceremony will welcome distinguished guests including Consul General of Spain in Miami, Ambassador Belén Alfaro; Steven Meiner, Mayor of the City of Miami Beach; and the Honorable Commissioners of the City of Miami Beach, marking a meaningful cultural moment for the city. The event is supported by the Española Way Association and the street’s restaurant community, including Havana 1957, Oh! Mexico, and Cigar Bar.
A Monumental Tribute to Culture and Identity
Standing at 11 feet tall and 5 feet wide, the striking Don Quijote sculpture greets visitors at the entrance of Española Way, quickly becoming a defining visual landmark. Designed with mobility in mind, the aluminum-cast piece is set on wheels, blending scale with a sense of movement and adaptability.
Created in a local foundry by sculptor Lazaro Valdes of ASU Miami (Art & Sculpture Unlimited), the sculpture was crafted using a fusion of digital modeling, robotic carving, and traditional casting techniques. As Miami’s only bronze foundry specializing in both ceramic shell (lost wax) and sand casting, ASU brings over 14 years of expertise to this work, capturing the spirit of Don Quijote through a balance of realism and stylized detail.
More than a visual centerpiece, the installation reflects Miami’s cultural diversity and deep Hispanic roots. Don Quijote, the visionary figure from Cervantes’ masterpiece, represents courage, idealism, and the pursuit of purpose—values that resonate throughout the Miami Beach community.
A Legacy Reimagined on Española Way
This unveiling marks the evolution of a concept that has long been part of Española Way’s identity. The location has served as a popular gathering point and photo destination for locals and visitors alike, and the introduction of this large-scale sculpture elevates it into a lasting landmark.
“Don Quijote has always been a symbol of imagination, resilience, and cultural pride,” said Eduardo Araoz, co-founder & owner of VE Hospitality Group. “What began as a creative expression on Española Way has now evolved into a permanent, large-scale sculpture that honors the spirit of this community.”
“As Española Way continues to grow, this sculpture represents more than a landmark—it reflects the spirit, history, and cultural richness that define this community,” said Scott Robins of Scott Robins Companies. “We’re proud to bring something of this scale to Miami Beach, and to create something residents and visitors can connect with.”
An Invitation to Celebrate
The Española Way Association and Vida & Estilo Hospitality Group invite community leaders, residents, and visitors to attend the unveiling and experience this exciting addition to Miami Beach’s cultural landscape. The event will bring together the energy of the street, local hospitality, and live entertainment—including a flamenco performance—to mark the occasion.
As Española Way continues to evolve, the Don Quijote sculpture stands as a lasting symbol of art, heritage, and community, inviting all who pass through to pause, connect, and be inspired.
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About Española Way
Established in the early 1920s as Miami Beach’s first commercial development, Española Way was designed as a bohemian artists’ colony inspired by the charm of Mediterranean villages in Spain and France. With its pastel-toned architecture and Old-World character, the two-block pedestrian corridor has long been a cultural landmark. Following a $2.5 million revitalization completed by the City of Miami Beach in 2017, Española Way has experienced renewed energy, reaffirming its role as a destination where locals and visitors come together to dine, explore, and connect.
Located between 14th and 15th Streets, spanning from Washington Avenue to Pennsylvania Avenue, Española Way offers a vibrant mix of culinary and retail experiences. The corridor is home to an eclectic collection of restaurants, sidewalk cafés, bars, and boutique shops, creating a lively atmosphere centered around al fresco dining and cultural discovery. Complementing this experience are two distinctive boutique hotels—Esmé Miami Beach and Kasa El Paseo—both housed within historic Mediterranean Revival buildings and offering guests an immersive stay in the heart of the district.
Rich in history and layered with a dynamic mix of food, hospitality, and retail, Española Way continues to embody the vision of its founders, serving as a place to gather, create, and celebrate while maintaining its position as one of Miami Beach’s most distinctive cultural experiences.
About VE Hospitality Group
Vida & Estilo Hospitality Group (VE Hospitality/ VE Group), translating to “Life and Style,” has been a leader in the hospitality industry since 1996. With a diverse portfolio of restaurants offering Cuban, Mexican, Italian, American, and Japanese cuisines, VE Group is one of South Florida’s largest hospitality groups. Recognized among the top 25 most influential independent restaurant groups in America, VE Hospitality operates approximately 30 dining establishments between Miami and Las Vegas, including full-service restaurants and Cuban coffee shops. Comprising industry professionals, the group seamlessly combines traditional lifestyle, and nightlife concepts to create unique and memorable dining experiences. With a proven track record of success, Vida & Estilo Hospitality Group stands as a beacon of innovation and excellence in the U.S. hospitality landscape.
Media Contact:
Elba Machado – Chief Communications Officer, Growth & Government Relations
emachado@vehospitality.com
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