“Mucho mango, poco aguacate”

“Mucho mango, poco aguacate” — plenty of mangoes, but very few avocados. It’s an old piece of Cuban folklore that many believe signals stormy weather ahead.

Before dismissing it as mere superstition, it’s worth remembering that many folktales were shaped over generations by people carefully observing weather patterns, animal behavior, and other natural signs long before modern science and technology existed. These traditions often helped communities know when to plant crops, prepare for difficult seasons, and protect their families.

In recent years, Miami has been fortunate to avoid a truly devastating storm. Meteorologists have even predicted a slower hurricane season this year due to a strong El Niño pattern. But “slow” does not mean “storm-free.” As we’ve seen time and again, even in quieter seasons, other communities have suffered major destruction from just one powerful storm.

And that brings us back to the folklore.

These sayings were never meant to predict conditions across entire countries or regions. They were born from local communities paying close attention to what was happening in their own towns and villages.

Mango season in South Florida typically runs from May through September. Avocados, depending on the variety, can begin appearing as early as March, with peak season usually falling between June and August. According to the old saying, seeing an abundance of avocados at the beginning of hurricane season — and not too many mangoes too early — was considered a good sign.

But for longtime Miami locals, one thing stands out this year: Mango trees are overflowing. Avocados, on the other hand, seem far less plentiful.

Maybe it means nothing. Or maybe there’s some wisdom hidden in the observations passed down by generations before us. Either way, it might be a good reminder to prepare early this hurricane season. There may not be many major storms this year, but as the old storytellers would say, it only takes one — and one just might be headed our way.

Mark B

Urban Survival Craft