Introduction to the Latin Food Fest
The Latin Food Fest returns to Brooklyn’s Industry City this weekend, Sept. 13-14, from noon to 7 p.m. The two-day event will feature more than 70 Hispanic-owned small businesses along with 14 major performances, art installations and other activities.
Festival Activities and Features
Visitors will find five stages where they can eat, dance and enjoy activities such as a Bad Bunny look-alike contest, an empanada contest, and more. “The idea of Latin Food Fest is a celebration of food: ‘la comida y cultura,’” said Marco Shalma, owner and founder of Latin Food Fest.
Supporting Small Businesses and Cultural Diversity
The festival provides a major platform for small business vendors. Melissa Pacheco, owner of Boriken Bites NYC, a Harlem-based Puerto Rican desserts business, started her business a year ago, and this opportunity is her biggest yet. “We are bringing out full ways to really represent our culture, represent Puerto Rico, represent New York, represent what that meant to me and my family,” Pacheco said.
Food and Cultural Representation
The event will provide food from across Latin America, from Mexican beef tacos to Peruvian ceviche, prepared by Patricia Quinteros, owner of Henko Seafood. This will allow her to show the hard work behind her business and connect with the community through food. “Sharing Hispanic culture is so important because food carries memory, history, and love. When I cook, I’m not only preparing a dish, I’m sharing a piece of my roots and the traditions that shaped me,” Quinteros said.
Vision and Mission of the Festival
Shalma’s vision for this event is to show that Latin America is not defined by a single culture, but by a diverse region united by a passion for food, family, and community. The festival celebrates cultural diversity while also supporting entrepreneurs. Marco Shalma, founder of Latin Food Fest, and his team created The Street Eat Foundation, a nonprofit organization that supports up-and-coming immigrant-owned businesses.
Giving Back to the Community
This year, Shalma expanded his vision by launching the “We Feed America” campaign to profit from, invest in, and donate to legal aid organizations that support the immigrant community. “We are the ones working in the field, working in transportation, working in distribution. We work in the manufacturing and cooking of the food, and that’s what we do. Those are the people who actually feed America and continue to feed and grow to feed America,” Shalma said.
Getting Tickets
Tickets can be purchased at the event or in advance through thelatinfoodfest.com.
Conclusion
The Latin Food Fest is a celebration of food, culture, and community, providing a platform for small businesses and supporting entrepreneurs. With its diverse range of activities, food, and performances, it is an event not to be missed.
FAQs
Q: What are the dates and timings of the Latin Food Fest?
A: The Latin Food Fest will take place on Sept. 13-14, from noon to 7 p.m.
Q: Where will the Latin Food Fest be held?
A: The festival will be held at Brooklyn’s Industry City.
Q: How many small businesses will be featured at the festival?
A: More than 70 Hispanic-owned small businesses will be featured at the festival.
Q: What types of activities can visitors expect at the festival?
A: Visitors can expect to find five stages with activities such as a Bad Bunny look-alike contest, an empanada contest, and more.
Q: How can I purchase tickets for the festival?
A: Tickets can be purchased at the event or in advance through thelatinfoodfest.com.
