Established in 1985, the Greater Miami Festivals & Events Association (GMFEA) is comprised of South Florida's major annual festivals with the central purpose of promoting the year-round schedule of special events to residents and visitors. The Association's members' efforts result in the production of excellent public celebrations that reflect, express and champion the broad cultural diversity of the area. Currently, the Association's membership totals more than 50 festivals and special events groups, public agencies and institutions, and area businesses, with an aggregate annual attendance to their events in excess of 3.5 million participants. These members represent and are involved in producing a wide-ranging spectrum of community events ranging from major arts, film, literary, culinary and street festivals to parades, fairs, youth sporting competitions, and historic, environmental, national and ethnic awareness celebrations.