Halloween may be global now—parades in New York, parties in Vegas, trick-or-treating from Madrid to Mexico City—but in Cuban culture, late October carries a deeper meaning. It’s not just about ghosts and costumes; it’s about honoring the past, sharing food, and gathering under warm light when the nights begin to cool.
In Cuba, Halloween as Americans know it isn’t traditionally celebrated. What does exist are older observances rooted in Catholic and Afro-Cuban traditions—Día de los Fieles Difuntos (All Souls’ Day) and the remembrance of loved ones through stories, candles, and food. Over time, as Cuban communities moved abroad, especially to Miami and later to Las Vegas, these traditions merged with the modern, playful energy of Halloween. The result? A celebration that’s both festive and familiar—where laughter replaces fear and sweetness replaces fright.
And in every Cuban gathering, one thing ties it all together: coffee.
The Cuban Way of Celebrating
Cuban culture doesn’t do halfway celebrations. Whether it’s a family dinner, a birthday, or Noche Buena, everything is about connection. Food and drink are never secondary—they are the centerpiece of the night.
Halloween fits right into that rhythm. Families open their doors, neighbors drop by with pastelitos or flan, and friends share coladas—those signature Cuban coffee shots served in small communal cups. In Miami’s Little Havana, it’s common to see people stop at a ventanita (walk-up coffee window) before a Halloween block party, trading cafecito shots instead of candy.
Meanwhile, in Las Vegas, the Cuban spirit takes on a neon edge. The city’s love of spectacle pairs naturally with Cuba’s flair for hospitality. At Cortadito Coffee House – Flamingo, the aroma of espresso and sugar blends with the buzz of the Strip. Even in the desert, the ritual remains: a small cup of Cuban coffee shared before the night begins—or after, to keep it going.
Coffee as the Link Between Traditions
Why coffee? Because it’s more than caffeine—it’s culture. For Cubans, coffee is about presence and community. It’s served at the start of the day, after meals, during conversations, and before saying goodbye. It’s the link that connects generations and transforms ordinary moments into memory.
Halloween night, with its flow of costumes and laughter, becomes another occasion for that connection. Instead of just energy drinks or pumpkin spice, Cubans turn to the real thing: strong, sweet espresso brewed with tradition.
The Flavors of Cuban Coffee at Cortadito
At Cortadito Coffee House, the menu honors that heritage while keeping pace with modern life. Whether you’re celebrating Halloween in Miami Beach or Las Vegas, the experience stays true—rich aroma, fast service, and a taste that instantly transports you to a Havana evening.
Here’s how to order like a local this season:
- Cortadito – The namesake drink. A Cuban espresso “cut” with steamed milk for balance—small, potent, and perfect before an evening out.
- Colada – A larger pour of espresso, served with small cups for sharing. Bring one to your group and you’ll become the hero of the night.
- Café con Leche – The smooth classic: espresso blended with warm milk, ideal for a calm moment before the chaos of costumes.
- Mocha or Caramel Cortadito – A festive twist for those who like sweetness; think of it as Cuban flavor meeting Halloween indulgence.
- Cold Brew or Iced Cortadito – For Miami or Vegas weather—refreshing, bold, and easy to carry while exploring.
Each drink is designed for movement—grab-and-go or sip-at-the-table. You’ll find them at every Cortadito location, alongside light bites like pastelitos de guayaba, croquetas, or even healthy wraps if you’re keeping things balanced.
A Modern Café for Every Kind of Celebration
Cortadito’s evolution mirrors Cuban culture itself: tradition meeting adaptation. The cafés capture the warmth of Havana’s ventanitas while embracing the pace of American cities.
In Miami Beach, two prime spots—Lincoln Road and Washington Ave—make it easy to stop by between costume parades and late dinners. In Las Vegas, the Flamingo location at The LINQ Promenade brings the same flavors to the heart of the Strip.
No matter which one you visit, the vibe is the same: vibrant, social, and distinctly Cuban.
Halloween, Cuban Style
So, what does a Cuban Halloween look like? It’s less about tricks and more about togetherness. Families might light candles for ancestors, friends gather for laughter instead of scares, and somewhere in the middle of it all—someone pours the coffee.
That’s the spirit behind Cortadito: the meeting point between old traditions and new celebrations. It’s where a simple drink becomes the anchor of the night, turning every sip into something sweet, shared, and strong—just like the culture that inspired it.
Final Sip
Halloween may come from ancient rituals, but its heart remains the same: gather, share, and enjoy the night. For Cubans—and for everyone who’s ever sipped a cortadito—coffee is the bridge between past and present, quiet and celebration, old Havana and new Miami.
So this Halloween, skip the pumpkin latte. Choose something real, bold, and born from culture. Raise a Cuban coffee at Cortadito, and toast to a night that’s not just spooky—it’s sweet, strong, and unmistakably Cuban.