Hispanic Heritage Month

September 15^th – October 15^th

Hello The Loisaida,

Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Puerto Rico and the Caribbean, Spain, Mexico, Central and South America.

Ever since 1968 we have observed Hispanic Heritage Week, introduced under President Lyndon Johnson and was later expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on September 15 and ending on October 15.

The day of September 15 is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September18, respectively. Also, Indigenous Peoples Day or Día de la Raza is October 12.

This month at Loisaida, Inc. Center, we celebrate our Hispanic heritage through Art, Food and Music. Please read more below.

Lower East Side Hispanic Heritage Festival

September 24^th & 25^th

Where:

Dry Dock Park/P.S. 34 School Yard

10th Street and Avenue D

When:

Saturday, Sept 24th - 12 noon to 5:00 pm

Opening ceremonies at 12 noon with DJ Live Music, 4 team youth basketball tournament, old timers Dominos for NYCHA Seniors, food and more...

Sunday, Sept 25th - 12 noon to 5:00 pm

Live Music by the A-Train Band, Final Games for Basketball Tournament and Stick-ball Game and Closing Awards ceremony.

Overview:

Loisaida Inc. Center has partnered with LES Sports Academy to organize the Hispanic Heritage Month Festival at Dry Dock Park and P.S. 34 Schoolyard, completely free and open to our community.

There will be entertainment, sport activities, food, live music, local vendors, arts and crafts to celebrate our cultural heritage.

Together with our partners at the New York City Police Department and NYCHA, there will be a Dominos tournament for the old timers and for the youth, we'll have youth Basketball and Stickball games.

If you are a nonprofit or local small business and want to be part of this event please contact Frank Alameda @ 917 -440-6381 or email Frank@lessports.org or Catiria Ayende @ 646-726-4715 or email: info@loisaida.org

La Cocina de Loisaida: Hispanic Heritage Celebration

Thursday, September 15^th & Saturday, September 24^th

We're celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with TWO La Cocina de Loisaida classes. On Thursday, September 15^th and Saturday, September 24^th, Chef Maria Bio will teach you how to make the Puerto Rican National Dish – Arroz con Gandules, as well as Pernil and Yuca con mojo de Ajo y Cebollas. These dishes are traditional favorites in Puerto Rico and you will learn how to make them with ease!

The class will be approximately 1.5 hours long and include time to savor the dishes you prepare together as a group. La Cocina de Loisaida takes place in the Essex Kitchen — Essex Market's demonstration and teaching kitchen located on the market's mezzanine level.

Register now for a class!

La Cocina de Loisaida is a series of monthly hands-on cooking classes where we celebrate the rich cultural traditions of Puerto Rican cuisine. Longtime Lower East Side resident and local caterer María Bido shares the recipes and techniques passed down by her abuela — all based in authentic Puerto Rican flavors and ingredients from Essex Market. 

This series is presented by Loisaida Inc. in partnership with Essex Market, with the collective mission to preserve and pass down culinary heritage from the Lower East Side community. We invite all ages and abilities to join us for these unique, fun, and celebratory cooking classes at Essex Market.

ECOLIBRIUM: Climate Justice Initiative

Neighborhood Energy Efficiency Survey

Take it now!

Is your fridge or AC always running but never cool? Tell us about it!

We've created a survey to determine just how many home appliances in the neighborhood are due for an upgrade. Not only do older refrigerators and air conditioners waste energy, they can also leak harmful refrigerants which contribute to climate change. Help us take count of how many of us would benefit from new energy efficient appliances that can help lower our monthly electricity bills.

It only takes 5-10 minutes to complete. Take the survey now!

Beyond Zero Series:

Burn Ban – The Benefits of Induction Cooking

Thursday, September 22^nd, 6-7:30pm

Induction cooktops and ranges are gaining traction in the market as an integral part of a climate-friendly building, and an efficient, healthy, and safe alternative to typical electric and gas ranges and cooktops. With advanced induction appliance technology allowing for drastic improvements to performance and heat generation without the harmful emissions, consumers are increasingly installing induction appliances in commercial and residential kitchens alike.

At this Beyond Zero Series event, Building Energy Exchange and NYSERDA host a discussion with experts about how induction cooktops offer a major opportunity to realize full building electrification and significantly improve the health, comfort, and safety of New Yorkers.

Register now for this FREE event on their website. This is a hybrid event - you may register to attend in person or online.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR ARTISTS

The Loisaida, Inc. Center continues to provide a platform for contemporary, emerging, and under-recognized artists, cultural producers, and "artivists" working in a variety of disciplines such as: sound/music, theater, film & video, performance art, poetry, dance, visual arts, creative writing, production, prototyping, cultural research, and socially driven art practices.

Each awardee can gain 3 to 6 months of accessible shared workspace and a stipend/honorarium between $500-$2,000 towards their project.

Access the application form here. Or call us at (646) 726-4715.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

Senior Day BBQ at 9C Community Garden

This month's senior day was a hit! Over 60 seniors attended the barbecue on September 2^nd in 9C Community Garden – across the street from the Loisaida Center. There was music, dancing, and food made at the Loisaida Center by our very own administrative assistant, Catiria Ayende. The seniors even got to take home bags of groceries and supplies. This outdoor event was the perfect way to celebrate the end of the summer!

Special thanks to United Healthcare for sponsoring this event!

Our next Senior Day at Loisaida will be on Friday, October 7^th.

For any questions, please contact Angel Santini at (917) 634-6963 or The Loisaida Center at (646) 726-4715 or info@loisaida.org.

Loisaida Arts & Wellness Program Showcase

On view from: Sept. 1- Oct. 1

Loisaida, Inc. Center - 710 East 9th Street and Avenue C

Loisaida Inc. programs are supported in part by public funds from the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) and the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs (DCLA), the Black, Latino and Asian Caucus (BLAC) in partnership with the City Council and the office of the New York City Mayor Eric Adams, and the New York State Legislature, City Councilwoman Carlina Rivera, NYS Assembly Member Harvey Epstein, the Manhattan Borough President's Office and the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and the New York state Department of Environmental Conservation. We also would like to acknowledge the support of the Hispanic Federation, the Promesa Foundation, MOSAIC Foundation of the New York Community Trust. The  Loisaida "Garden" Logowas esigned by: Elena Lo-McEnaney. Thank you!