The rich diversity of Latin Americans in Cleveland has led to some incredible artistic endeavors, charitable organizations, and of course, restaurants that call Cleveland home. Explore Latin culture by visiting some of these establishments.
Arts & Culture
Julia de Burgos Cultural Arts Center offers a plethora of year-round classes including guitar, flamenco, ballet, Latin social dance, and other one-off workshops. A majority of these classes are available to adults as well as to children. The center also has event space available to rent. A number of dance schools in the area are partially Latino-owned. Check out Viva Dance Studio (Asia Town), LeSalsa (Lakewood) and The Cleveland Tango School (various locations) for classes that will get you moving!
Spanish-language theater LatinUS Theater Company often runs several plays throughout each season. Catch "La Versión Infinita" from Sept. 26 through Oct. 12, "Vuela Alto, Mamá" Feb. 20 - March 8, and "La Malasangre" May 22 - June 7.
If you’re seeking out a celebration, The Land hosts both a Puerto Rican Parade and La Placita (an open-air summer market with live music), both taking place annually in August.
Community Involvement
The Young Latino Network (YLN) aims to empower young professionals in the community through leadership, development and civic engagement. They host several events throughout the year, including workshops for entrepreneurs, but their summer fundraiser, "Noche de Guayabera," is not to be missed.
Whereas YLN focuses on young professionals, the Spanish-American Committee is open to everyone. They offer job training, financial counseling, English classes and a variety of other services to serve new English learners, including the state’s only Spanish-language GED program.
For programs focused on our youngest Clevelanders, Esperanza, Inc. focuses on mentoring teens hoping to attend college. Plus, they host an annual STEAM summer camp.
Delicious Delights
If the question is “What’s for dinner?”, there’s no shortage of answers in Cleveland! You can find a wide array of authentic choices around town from a number of Latino cultures:
- Mexican: Las Dos Fronteras, El Jalapeños Authentic Mexican Restaurant
- Puerto Rican: Las Villas Deli and Pastries, Rincon Criollo
- Colombian: Barroco
- Salvadoran: Pupuseria y Antojitos Guanaquitas, Pupuseria La Bendicion
- Dominican: Quisqueya La Bella, La Morenita's
Of course, if you’d like to pick up hot food while grocery shopping, stop at La Plaza Supermarket. The store has both fresh Caribbean produce like plantains and tacos to-go.
