MIAMI - Cuban exiles in Miami are rallying for freedom and democracy on the communist island following the death of revolutionary leader Fidel Castro.

Hundreds of people gathered Wednesday along city's famed Calle Ocho street through Little Havana, parts of which were blocked off by police. People waved Cuban and American flags, carried signs denouncing Castro and listened to speeches and Cuban music.

The event was held at a memorial for the failed CIA-backed Bay of Pigs invasion that attempted to topple Castro in 1961. Many veterans of that battle remain in Miami and were rally organizers.

A moment of silence was held for those who died trying to escape Cuba.

Thousands of Cuban-Americans took to the streets for spontaneous celebrations after Castro's death at age 90 became public early Saturday.