Being Latino’s 5 of 5 en Nueva York

by Lance Ríos

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New York City, “The Big Apple’ or should I say, “La Gran Manzana”, is home to the most diverse Latino population in the entire United States. With 33% of the entire population comprised of Latinos, it serves as an example that Latinos from all backgrounds can come together as one and live in conjunction with one another.

NYC

The Latino influence on this city is quite obvious. Whether it’s the food, the music, the parades and or performing arts, Latinos are shouting loud that we are here to stay!

Puerto Rico

Puerto Ricans have made up the largest Latino population in NYC for over the past 30 years. Due to their heavy influence, New York City’s largest parade is the Puerto Rican parade, the term “Nuyorican” was created to describe Boricuas living in New York specifically and many elected officials such as Jose Serrano and most recently popular Judge Sonia Sotomayor have taken a strong presence in the political scene of the city and beyond.

Dominican Republic

Dominicans are the 2^nd largest group living in New York city. Dominicans have taken over many parts of New York, becoming the majority in areas like Washington Heights in Manhattan as well as Corona Queens. Dominicans have brought with them music such as merengue and bachata, which has been adopted and appreciated by other Latino communities in NYC.

Mexico

Mexicans come in as the 3^rd largest population of Latinos living in New York. Although, their presence in the city has been somewhat recent, they are by far the fastest growing of all Latinos and have definitely made their mark in the city. With close to half of the population of El Barrio AKA Spanish Harlem (a traditionally Puerto Rican neighborhood), serving as the new home for Mexican-Americans, we can expect to see more Taquerias and hear more ranchero music throughout the city.

Ecuador

Ecuadorians are the 4^th largest group of Latinos living in New York.  The majority of the Ecuadorian population resides in Queens and although they do not make up the majority of Latinos in the borough they are the second fastest growing group. Queens, NY also serves as the largest Ecuadorian population in the entire United States.

Colombia

The Colombian population is the 5^th largest group of Latino living in the city. Although they are #5, they too have an extreme presence in the city with new Colombian bars and restaurants popping up in neighborhoods all over Queens. We can see that this population is just getting settled and is here to stay.

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Here is Being Latino’s Guide to the top 5 cultural experiences of the        5 mentioned communities in NYC:

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Puerto Rican Experience

1. Trendy yet cultural

Nuyorican Café: Lower East Side, Manhattan

2. Cultural Facility

Julia De Burgos: El Barrio, Manhattan

3. Musica Puertoriquena

La Casita de Chema: Motthaven, Bronx

4. Yearly Event

The Puerto Rican Day Parade: NYC

5. Best Restaurant

La Fonda Boricua: El Barrio, Manhattan

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Dominican Experience

1. Trendy yet cultural

Mamajuana Café: Washington Heights, Manhattan

2. Cultural Facility

Librería Caliope: Washington Heights, Manhattan

3. Musica Dominicana

Ambaroom: Washington Heights, Manhattan

4. Yearly Event

The Dominican Parade: NYC

5. Best Restaurant

Rocio’s Dominican Bakery: Williamsburg Brooklyn

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Mexican Experience

1. Trendy yet cultural

Melao: Long Island City, Queens

2. Cultural Facility

Mexican Cultural Institute of New York: NYC

3. Musica Mexicana

Mariachi Puebla: Williamsburg, Brooklyn

4. Yearly Event

Mexican Independence Day El Barrio, Manhattan

5. Best Restaurant

Coqui Mexicano: Motthaven, Bronx

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Ecuadorian Experience

1. Trendy yet cultural

El Tesero Ecuatoriano: Sunset Park, Brooklyn

2. Cultural Facility

Indio Atahualpa: Jackson Heights, Queens

3. Musica Ecuatoriana

Barzola: Bushwick, Brooklyn

4. Yearly Event

Ecuadorian Festival: Flushing Meadows, Queens

5. Best Restaurant

Pique El Paso: Jackson Heights, Queens

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Colombian Experience

1. Trendy yet cultural

D’Antigua: Jackson Heights, Queens

2. Cultural Facility

Thalia Spanish Theatre: Sunnyside, Queens

3. Musica Colombiana

Extravaganza: Flushing, Queens

4. Yearly Event

Colombian Independence Day Parade: Flushing, Queens

5. Best Restaurant

Cafecito Bogota: Greenpoint, Brooklyn