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 Beachwood), and The Cleveland Tango School (various locations) for classes that will get you moving!
Spanish-language theater LatinUS Theater Company will run several plays through June 2024. Los Soles Truncos follows three sisters as they tumble from upper class down the social ladder, playing through Oct. 1. Catch Tú Ternura Molotov in Feb. 2024 for some existential comedy. And cap off the season with La Botánica, May 30–June 2, 2024, in which feminist and playwright Dolores Prida explores the lives of three generations of Puerto Rican women experiencing cultural conflict in East Harlem.
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.
Annually in summer, Cleveland hosts both a Puerto Rican Parade and La Placita, an open-air summer market with live music. In the past, La Placita took place monthly throughout the summer; in 2022, both events occurred 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 especially 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:
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.