Leah the flamingo, is the official mascot of the City of Hialeah, who posed in front of City Hall, on Tuesday, April 17, 2024.
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Hialeah, the South Florida city known for its deep Cuban cultural influence, is transforming its image thanks to Leah, its new mascot, a unique initiative aimed at portraying the city in a positive light.
The concept of Leah was born shortly before Hialeah’s 2023 Independence Day celebration, an event that typically draws around 25,000 attendees. Alice Arrieta, Hialeah’s Communications Director, conceived Leah as a fun way to do outreach for the city.
“When I envisioned Leah as a mascot, I wanted something beyond the ordinary—something that brings joy, especially to children,” Arrieta said, who has worked at the city for 12 years. “We never expected Leah to gain such popularity. At every event, people ask about her.”
Leah’s identity remains a closely guarded secret, with many city employees contributing to her presence.
Leah’s growing popularity prompted Arrieta to launch an Instagram profile dedicated to the mascot, providing a platform for entertaining content.
In a city often associated with political discord, Leah serves as a beacon of optimism, fostering a sense of unity within Hialeah.