Miami's White Party Brings Body Heat to Thanksgiving Weekend

I attended my first White Party in Miami 16 years ago. By then, I had already gone to several Circuit parties. As a dance addict, I loved each and every one of these marathons.

But the White Party was something all together different. To be sure, the requisite requirements for a Circuit-type party were there. Not only were there tons and tons of hot guys, but, this being Miami, the muscle-and-beauty quotient was even higher than elsewhere.

There was a roster of late-into-the-evening dance parties, held at venues all around Miami Beach. Many have since moved to Downtown Miami, where the clubs are even bigger and don't have to contend with insane traffic or noise complaints from neighbors. There was the great music, of course, from top DJs.

But what made this party special was Vizcaya. Built by an heir to the John Deering fortune (the tractory people), Villa Vizcaya is one of America's Great Homes. Like San Simeon in California, the Breakers in Newport, R.I., or the William Starr Miller House in New York (now the Neue Gallerie), this mansion has passed from private hands into government caretaking.

It forms the center of state land and is surrounded by lush Italian Renaissance gardens and is fronted on Biscayne Bay by a spectacular private harbor entrance. Seeing Vizcaya alone would be enough of a reason to trek to Miami this Thanksgiving Weekend for the White Party.

But there's more -- oh, baby, is there ever more.

This year's them, Cirque du Monde, reflects the body-conscious and theatrical aspects of this mega-event. Generally considered the oldest major gay dance-party fund-raiser in continuous existence, the White Party raises proceeds for Care Resource, the major AIDS service organization in Southeast Florida.

As noiZe magazine, among many others, have termed it, the White Party is the "crown jewel" in the Circuit's crown. Now 26 years old, it long ago established itself as "the" party for the movers-and-shakers, the see-and-be-seen on the gay party seen.

The parties officially start as early as Wednesday, Nov. 24, the day before Thanksgiving, with Dolce, a woman's dance, followed by another on Friday, Nov. 26. Also Friday night, the really big parties kick off with White Dreams, DJ'ed by international superstars Chus & Ceballos (who just wowed them as headliners at Black & Blue in Montreal).

Saturday is the big day. It starts with a pool party where you can show off that Speedo (are you watching Carl Paladino?) at the host hotel, the Shelborne. That night is the actual White Party at Vizcaya, and later, Fresca for the ladies and White Starz at Mekka Miami, with three DJs.

The White Party is one event that you will definitely want to plan an outfit for. The white theme is carried by everyone. You won't look cool in blue jeans; trust me on this one. The dancing takes place on the terrazzo overlooking the bay, but you can wander the grounds. It's truly a unique experience that has transcended the gay scene to become one of the most discussed events in the local gossip columns.

Sunday brings a nearly equal spectacular: Muscle Beach Party. Anyone who has the good luck to experience Miami's own Winter Party or the Ascension, Pines, or Morning parties on Fire Island knows how special it is to be able to dance right on the beach, with the Atlantic Ocean only a few feet away. With Roland Melmares and joe Gauthreaux, you can be assured that the music will be as upbeat as the crowd.

Sunday night also brings Noche Blanca, the after party, again at the Cameo Theater on Washington Boulevard in South Beach. Oscar G takes the turntables, along with Twisted Dee and Phil B, a DJ duo that has become one of the hottest acts of the year.

Don't be afraid because it's Thanksgiving Weekend. There are still rooms available in South Beach, in Miami Beach, on the mainland, and in nearby Ft. Lauderdale. In fact, don't be afraid to look a little farther afield. You can get a great room rate at a more inland hotel. After all, you'll only be there to shower, change, sleep and .... well, that "and" is if you're lucky. Be forewarned: Parking in South Beach can be difficult. But a car also makes it easier to get to the Downtown Miami clubs, although cabs are usually plentiful. If you're staying at the Beach, try to carpool back with some other guys.

For more information, a complete schedule, ticket information and everything else, visit the event's website. I've been trekking to Miami nearly every Thanksgiving for this, and I can only say every single time, it has proven to be one of the highlights of the year.