(Miami-Dade County, FL) -- Residents young and old, clad in red and white, waved their Cuban flags proudly during Miami-Dade County's celebration of Cuban Independence Day on Thursday, May 19, 2011 at the Stephen P. Clark Center. The annual event is part of the 7th Annual Cuban Mosaic exhibit, which honors the island's history and culture, and its influence in Miami-Dade County. As part of the activities, there were performances by Las Maraqueras, students from Lincoln-Marti School, and singer Vicky Roig.  Chairman Joe A. Martinez and Commissioner Rebeca Sosa also participated in the event. Cuban Independence Day is celebrated on May 20. 

The 7th Annual Cuban Mosaic is a multi-faceted exhibit open to the public during the entire month of May. In addition to a celebration ceremony, residents can visit the lobby of the Stephen P. Clark Center, 111 NW 1st Street, in Downtown Miami to view and purchase work by Cuban artists. Featured this year is a commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Bay of Pigs invasion. Also, in addition to artwork on display, guests will find information on Cuba's history and will also be able to see a makeshift raft that was found off the Miami coast believed to have brought Cuban nationals over as they sought freedom in America. The raft is composed mostly of foam, pieces of wood, and piping. Visitors can view the Cuban Mosaic exhibit Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. until May 29.