BY AMANDA MOSES
New York City has one of largest Hispanic populations, with approximately 2.42 million people according to the 2020 United States Census Bureau. The largest LatinX demographic in NYC are those of Dominican descent (representing 41% of the Hispanic population in the city).
Since September 15th to October 15th commemorates National Hispanic Heritage Month, the Spring Creek Sun highlighted various places to help New Yorkers celebrate LatinX culture and traditions.
The Nuyorican Poets Café is the place to be in the Lower East Side of Manhattan if you want to experience Hispanic artistry at its finest. For the past 50 years, this café has served as a beacon for underground artists, whether they are poets, musicians or in the film industry. This space provides a stage for minorities to express themselves especially during a time when no one else would give them an opportunity. Nuyorican Poets Café is located at 236 East 3rd Street, and continues to serve the Lower East by including educational programing to increase literacy and public speaking efforts, theatrical performances, Latin and Contemporary Jazz, and overall provides an empowering environment with affordable support for underprivileged artists.
Spanish Harlem (also known as El Barrio) spans from 96th Street to 125th Street on the East Side of Manhattan (from Fifth Avenue to the East River). There are a wide variety of restaurants and Cuchifritos (places that sell fried Puerto Rican dishes such as; empanadas, pastels, and more), however, the place to visit for cultural enrichment is El Museo Del Barrio located at 1230 Fifth Avenue. This location is where visitors can learn about the LatinX communitie’s history. There are exhibitions showcasing El Barrio throughout the decades with Caribbean and Latin American art.
United Palace in Washington Heights was remodeled and upgraded, providing locals in the primarily Dominican community an opportunity to enjoy a lavish theater. Originally erected in the 1930s, the United Palace showed silent films and live music, but was shuttered during the pan-demic. With the help of famed Latin actor Lin Manuel-Miranda’s or-ganization, Miranda Family Foundation, they were able to purchase a projector so that public screenings can once again be showcased. Celebrate Hispanic Heritage month by catching a live show with musical performers like Julio Sabal, Manuel Turizo, and many more.
Photo by Amanda Moses
