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How to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in NYC

Where to eat, shop, and celebrate Hispanic and Latinx culture and community this month and all year.

by New York Bucket List

 

Hispanic Heritage Month kicks off on September 15 and runs through October 15, and NYC has lots of options when it comes to celebrating and supporting the Hispanic and Latinx communities that make up our beloved five boroughs.

We’ve rounded up some of the ways you can join in, from festive parades across the city to shopping small Hispanic-owned businesses to enjoying an authentic meal with family and friends.

Hispanic-Owned Restaurants and Bars


Casa Ora
Casa Ora in Brooklyn serves Spanish comfort food, minus the guilt. Furnished fully with the 1980s nostalgia of one's Latina grandma.

Where: 148 Meserole St., Brooklyn
For more information on Casa Ora.

 

La Churreria
Nestled in the heart of Nolita, La Churreria serves up authentic fresh churros daily, with a variety of dipping sauces and fillings including dulce de leche, matcha, chocolate, and more.

Where: 248 Mulberry St.
For more information on La Churreria.

 

Cafe con Libros
A women-owned coffee shop and bookstore that works to create a community where everyone feels celebrated, included, and affirmed.

Where: 724 Prospect Pl, Brooklyn
For more information on Cafe con Libros.

 

Mesa Coyoacan
This comfortable spot serves up authentic Mexican dishes, following the recipes of the owner’s grandmothers. Long, rustic tables encourage plate sharing and communal dining.

Where: 372 Graham Avenue, Brooklyn
For more information on Mesa Coyoacan.

 

Zona Rosa
From the same people behind Mesa Coyoacan, Zona Rosa offers fresh Mexican flavors served out of a 1956 Spartan Trailer. Sip margaritas from the roof deck, and order an assortment of dishes to share.

Where: 571 Lorimer St. (corner of Metropolitan Ave.), Brooklyn
For more information on Zona Rosa.

 

Arepa Lady
If you’ve never tried a Colombian arepa, get yourself to Arepa Lady. This much-loved gem in Jackson Heights serves the dish along with other South American favorites.

Where: 77-17 37ave, Jackson Heights
For more information on Arepa Lady.

 

Tabaré
Tabaré is an authentic Uruguayan restaurant with two locations in Brooklyn. Menu items are based on Uruguay’s indigenous and strong European roots with an emphasis on beef, along with sausages, pasta, soups, and stews.

Where:
Bushwick: 1006 Flushing Ave Brooklyn
Williamsburg: 221 South 1st Street, Brooklyn
For more information on Tabaré.

 

Fan Fan Donuts
Dedicated to fostering community and celebrating diversity, Fan Fan bakes their donuts in small batches to ensure every customer gets a fresh (often still warm) treat. Stop by for unique flavors from around the globe like mango lassi, Mexican cinnamon-sugar, and luna limón.

Where: 448 Lafayette Ave, Brooklyn
For more information on Fan Fan Donuts.

 

Puerto Viejo
This Dominican restaurant in Brooklyn serves flavorful food that feels like it has been cooked from the comfort of your own home, in a warm, comfortable setting.

Where: 564 Grand Avenue (between Dean St and Bergen St), Brooklyn
For more information on Puerto Viejo.

 

Sofritos
Located in the Hamilton Heights neighborhood, this vibrant restaurant boasts authentic Puerto Rican cuisine and specialty cocktails alongside lively music in a Caribbean atmosphere.

Where: 679 Riverside Dr
For more information on Sofritos.

Hispanic-Owned Stores and Businesses


La Sirena Mexican Folk Art
Opened in the Bowery in 1999, La Sirena (The Mermaid) is a Mexican Folk Art store that reflects the beauty and richness of Mexico and the people who live there.

Where: 27 E 3rd St
For more information on La Sirena Mexican Folk Art.

 

Cuyana
Stylish, practical, and sustainably made apparel in the heart of Nolita (or online).

Where: 29 Prince St
For more information on Cuyana.

 

Casa Muza
This women’s apparel brand was founded by a self-taught designer and artist. A Puerto-Rican native, Polet Guzmán’s hand screen printed pieces are inspired by confident and powerful women.

Where: 246 Grand St. Brooklyn
For more information on Casa Muza.

 

Luz Ortiz
Born in the Dominican Republic and raised in New York, Luz Ortiz’s elegant jewelry pulls inspiration from her home in the Caribbean, and an appreciation for modern art, architecture, and industrial elements.

Where: 147 West 35th Street
For more information on Luz Ortiz.

 

Fanesha Fabre Art
This Brooklyn-based online shop sells handmade pins, keychains, buttons, illustrations, and merchandise that explores and celebrates what it’s like to be Latinx in New York.

Where: Online only.
For more information on Fanesha Fabre Art.

Events and Celebrations


Celebrate with the New York Yankees
Get a special NY Yankees hat with your choice of flag, a regular-sized hot dog, and your first drink free when you purchase Yankees tickets for select games during Hispanic Heritage Month.

When: Check the website for available dates and schedules.
Where: Yankee Stadium, 1 E 161 St, The Bronx
For more information on celebrating with the Yankees.

 

A La Calle Block Party
Join Ballet Hispánico, the nation’s largest Latinx dance organization, at the A La Calle Block party on the Upper West Side. Enjoy live performances, music, free dance classes, and food from local vendors.

When: Sunday, October 2, 12 pm – 4 pm
Where: West 89th Street between Amsterdam and Columbus Avenues, outside of Ballet Hispánico's headquarters
For more information on A La Calle Block Party.

 

Queens Hispanic Parade
Did you know Queens is the most diverse urban area on earth? Celebrate the many Latin cultures in the borough with music, folklore, floats, and more.

When: Sunday, September 25, 11 am.
Where: 37th Avenue from 69th St to 86th St in Jackson Heights
For more information on Queens Hispanic Parade.

 

Events at New York Public Library
The New York Public Library is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with a variety of activities including talks and panels with Latinx writers, film screenings, STEAM activities, arts and crafts, and more.

When: Various dates and times, check your local library.
Where: Public libraries throughout NYC
For more information on Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month at NYPL.

 

Olive Street Garden Block Party
Stop by Olive Street Garden in Brooklyn, where the street will be closed off to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with live music, food, and more.

When: Monday, October 10, 12 pm – 3 pm.
Where: 25 Olive St, Brooklyn
For more information on Olive Street Garden Block Party.

 

Movies in the Park: Vivo
In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, Maria Hernandez Park will be showing Vivo, the newest Sony animated film featuring all-new original songs from Lin-Manuel Miranda. Free and open to the public!

When: Saturday, September 24. Movies start at dusk.
Where: Suydam Street & Irving Avenue, Brooklyn
For more information on Movies in the Park: Vivo.

 

Las flores de mi País
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with Las flores de mi país. Presented by NYC Parks' Latino Society, this exhibition features artworks by more than 20 artists that explore interpretations of Latinx culture with imagery of native flora. A free virtual tour and discussion will be held on September 27.

When:
Exhibit open from September 15 – November 10
Virtual tour and discussion: Tuesday, September 27, 6 pm – 7:30 pm.
Where: The Arsenal Gallery: 64th Street and Fifth Avenue inside Central Park, Third Floor of the Arsenal Building
For more information on las flores de mi país.

 

Panamanian Parade
The largest Panamanian Parade in the world outside of the Republic of Panama, this event celebrates and honors the leaders, educators, artists, and celebrities that have left their mark on the U.S.

When: Saturday, October 8, 12 pm
Where: President St. and Classon Ave., Brooklyn
For more information on the Panamanian Parade.

 

Hispanic Museum and Library
The Hispanic Museum and Library will host a variety of events throughout the month to celebrate Hispanic Heritage, including a watercolor exhibit and a multilingual interactive theater experience.

When: Various dates and times, check the website for the most accurate information.
Where: The Hispanic Society of America. 613 W 155th St
For more information on the Hispanic Museum and Library.

 

Storytime and Music on the Plaza
An interactive show featuring music, storytelling, and a petting zoo of instruments will be put on by the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music and The Center for Fiction.

When: October 1, 12 pm – 1 pm.
Where: The Plaza at 300 Ashland, Brooklyn
For more information on Storytime on the Plaza.