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Big Orange is back after all for Miami NYE celebration

Big Orange

MIAMI – It’s a Christmas miracle! After a bit of back and forth, the famed Big Orange will be part of Miami’s New Year’s Eve celebration this year after all.

The hoisting of the iconic sculpture at the InterContinental Miami hotel in Downtown Miami has been a big part of ringing in the New Year for Miamians for more than three decades.

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Local 10 News spoke to Steve “Mr. Neon” Carpenter, the creator of the “La Gran Naranja” on Thursday and he said “it’s a big change from yesterday to today. It’s happening.”

Public Relations folks with the InterContinental also confirmed with Local 10 News on Thursday that the Big Orange would be back. They also said Big Orange is being installed next week.

“Historically, the Big Orange has been installed and positioned in front of the hotel with a test run to follow by the 27th of December, said Monty Trainer, Chairman of, the Greater Miami Host Committee. “As the Hotel is also the host hotel for families, friends, and team members of the Orange Bowl Game, the Big Orange installation will be scheduled earlier.”

On Thursday, City of Miami Mayor Francis X. Suarez also announced the comeback of the Big Orange.

“I am proud to continue to support the installation of this community tradition. The Big Orange not only has been a part of our New Year’s (NYE) celebration for more than 30 years, but it is an attraction that the thousands of residents and visitors that participate in our NYE Bash look forward to enjoying every year.”

Carpenter initially told Local 10 News on Wednesday; the sculpture would not be part of the celebration.

The Big Orange rise was canceled in 2021 after Carpenter and his staff tested positive for COVID-19.

The 2020 event was also canceled due to the pandemic.

The New Year’s Eve event at Bayfront Park is free and will also feature a fireworks show, a live free concert and a countdown celebration.

Guests should RSVP for their free tickets, by clicking on this link.


About the Author
Veronica Crespo headshot

Veronica Crespo writes for Local10.com and also oversees the Español section of the website. Born and raised in Miami, she graduated from the University of Miami, where she studied broadcast journalism and Spanish.

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