Exp East Harlem for the Holidays 2024
Food & Drinks - North of 116th Street-Closer to Pleasant Avenue Food & Drinks on East 116th Street Food & Drinks on Lexington Avenue - South 106th St Food & Drinks on Lexington Avenue - South of 110th Street Food & Drinks on Second Avenue The Crack is Wack Mural Grandscale Mural Project Spirit of East Harlem Julia De Burgos Cultural Center & Mural Celia Cruz Mural Graffiti Wall of Fame El Museo del Barrio Museum of the City of NY Uptown Grand Central Metro North Marcus Garvey Park Harlem Art Park La Marqueta The People’s Church Union Settlement Art Space My Favorite Place La Fonda Boricua Mexican Cultural Influence on East 116th St My Favorite Place Comedy in Harlem Frenchy Coffee NYC Pabade Bakery El Barrista Cafe My Favorite Place Charles Pan Fried Chicken My Favorite Place Uptown Shots Dell'Aria El Regalo Mágico / The Magic Gift Tito Puente Caribbean Culture Center JVS Project Space Young Lords My Favorite Place Mary's Candy Store Xclusive Arrivals My Favorite Place La Marqueta My Favorite Place Brownstone My Favorite Place Hot Jalapeno My Favorite Place East Harlem Bottling Co. Pop-Up Ice Skating Rink & Holiday Market Holiday Tree Lighting 47th Annual Three Kings Day Celebration 2025 Gingerbread NYC: The Great Borough Bake-Off The 10th Annual Universal Pasteles Contest Opening Night of "Once Upon a Time in the Caribbean" - Honoring Iris Chacón and David Zayas PRIDA Artisan's Holiday Market Harlem Night Market at La Marqueta Ugly, Pretty & Pet Sweater Contest Hot Chocolate Rides Vision of Love, End of Year Vision Board Workshop El Barrio Pinta Holiday Parranda & Community Giveaway presented by the 23rd & 25th Precinct Dia de los Reyes with La Casa Parranda en El Barrio! Kwanzaa Celebration

Food & Drinks - North of 116th Street-Closer to Pleasant Avenue

Bistro Casa Azul Mexican 343 Pleasant Avenue bistrocasaazul.com
Cake Burger American 400 East 120th Street cakeburgersnyc.com
Santiago's Dominican/Beer Garden 2337 1st Avenue santiagosbeergarden.com

Food & Drinks on East 116th Street

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Food & Drinks on Lexington Avenue - South 106th St

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Food & Drinks on Lexington Avenue - South of 110th Street

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Food & Drinks on Second Avenue

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The Crack is Wack Mural

In painting the mural, Haring addressed his frustrations with the ineffective government on tackling drug-related issues, and his concern with the rising number of crack-addicts throughout the country, and especially in New York City.

Location:
127 Street 2 Ave., and, Harlem River Drive (Google Map)

Grandscale Mural Project

THE GRANDSCALE MURAL PROJECT CREATES A VIBRANT GATEWAY TO HARLEM THROUGH ART BY UPTOWN ARTISTS THAT SUPPORTS AND UPLIFTS THE COMMUNITY. During three weekends in late summer 2019, 50 artists came together to transform 1,500 feet of fencing across three blocks into a canvas for mural artwork. In 2021, 120 artists united to transform more than half a mile of construction fencing into colorful, memorable blocks to walk.  (See murals)

Location:
125th 3rd Avenue to Madison Avenue

Spirit of East Harlem

 

The Spirit of East Harlem mural was started during the summer of 1973 by artist Hank Prussing, after receiving donated paint and the support of the local housing and community development group, HOPE Community Inc. Alongside artist (then apprentice) Manny Vega, Prussing embarked on the five year mural project covering one side of a four-story apartment building on Lexington Avenue and 104th Street. The children and adults depicted in the mural include “Flash,” a Spanish rock singer, a motherly big sister, a pastor and teacher, a Bruce Lee fan carrying nun-chakus in his back pocket, and a no-nonsense bodega owner. Prussing viewed this work as a mirror image of the community—capturing the people, as well as many backwards logos of popular culture, to reflect the vibrant life of the neighborhood.

Location:
104th & Lexington Avenue

Julia De Burgos Cultural Center & Mural

Julia de Burgos (1914 - 1953): Julia de Burgos was a Puerto Rican poet, educator and activist University of Puerto Rico, de Burgos attended the University of Havana, and periodically lived in New York. Between 1943-1944, she wrote for the Spanish speaking newspaper, Pueblos HispanosRio Grande de Loiza, but she also published several books including Poemas Exactos de mí Misma, Poemas en Veinte Zurcos and Canción de la Verdad Sencilla. After her health steadily deteriorated, de Burgos died in a hospital after collapsing on a sidewalk in El Barrio. A mosaic mural located on 106th Street was created in 2006 by Manny Vega and commissioned by HOPE Community, Inc. in commemoration of her contribution to the Puerto Rican and Spanish speaking community in East Harlem.

Location:
106th St. and Lexington Avenue

Theater Space available to rent:
https://jdbpac.org/theater

Celia Cruz Mural

Celia Cruz (1925 - 2003): She immigrated to the United States in 1960 after the Cuban Revolution. Her musical career in Cuba began with a band called Sonora Matancera, but eventually she became a solo performer in the United States. Cruz is considered one of the most influential and successful Cuban performers of the twentieth century. La Reina Celia Cruz is a mural painted by artist James De La Vega La Reina Celia Cruz mural is located on 103rd Street and Lexington Avenue.

Location:
103rd St. and Lexington Avenue

Graffiti Wall of Fame

Founded by NY community activist Ray Rodriguez (aka "Sting Ray") in 1980, the Graffiti Wall of Fame is located at the J.H.S. 013 Jackie Robinson Educational Complex School on Park Avenue and 106th Street. The graffiti pieces cover the walls in the school courtyard and those facing the street. Rodriguez founded the Graffiti Wall of Fame as a site for xiii Manuel Acevedo and Kathleena Howie-Long, are two El Museo artist educators who have been involved with the Graffiti Wall of Fame, along with other notable graffiti artist crews such as Tats Cru. The graffiti pieces change annually, giving new crews and individual artists the opportunity to showcase their talents.

Location:
106th Street & Park Avenue

El Museo del Barrio

New York’s leading Latino cultural institution, welcomes visitors of all backgrounds to discover the artistic landscape of Latino, Caribbean, and Latin American cultures. Their richness is represented in El Museo’s wide-ranging collections and exhibitions, complemented by film, literary, visual and performing arts series, cultural celebrations, and educational programs. History of El Museo

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Location:
1230 5th Avenue (105th St. & 5th Avenue)

Museum of the City of NY

The Museum of the City of New York fosters understanding of the distinctive nature of urban life in the world’s most influential metropolis. It engages visitors by celebrating, documenting, and interpreting the city’s past, present, and future.

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Location:
1220 5th Avenue (104th St. & 5th Avenue)

Uptown Grand Central

In 2016, we expanded to create Uptown Grand Central, a 501c3 nonprofit that works to support, strengthen and showcase all that is "grand" about our neighborhood, from small businesses to culture to greening to art. Our goal is to transform the East 125th Street corridor by putting advocacy into action.

Location:
(see website site)

Metro North

The Harlem–125th Street station is a commuter rail stop serving the Metro-North Railroad's Hudson, Harlem, and New Haven Lines. It is located at East 125th Street and Park Avenue in East Harlem, Manhattan, New York City.

Marcus Garvey Park

Marcus Garvey Park is a 20.16-acre park on the border between the Harlem and East Harlem neighborhoods of Manhattan, New York City. The park, centered on a massive and steep outcropping of schist, interrupts the flow of Fifth Avenue traffic, which is routed around the park via Mount Morris Park West.

Location:
Mt Morris Park - Madison to Fifth Avenue

Harlem Art Park

Small, shaded garden square with benches, creative sculptures & occasional art installations.

Location:
E. 120th St & Sylvan Place

La Marqueta

La Marqueta's story goes back to 1936, when the City opened the Park Avenue Retail Market to bring East Harlem's pushcart vendors under one roof. As the neighborhood transformed from Italian Harlem into Spanish Harlem after World War II, the Park Avenue Retail Market became “La Marqueta,” specializing in Latin American and Caribbean goods for the residents of East Harlem, Central Harlem, and the South Bronx.

Location:
115th & Park Avenue

Visit These Shops While There:

La Marqueta
Amuse Bouche Bakery 1590 Park Ave amusebouchebistro.com
Cocotazo Puerto Rican 1591 Park Ave cocotazocateringllc.com

The People’s Church

DEC 28, 1969 - Young Lords take over the Church, name it the People's Church, and begin an 11-day occupation. They establish free breakfast and clothing programs, health services, a day-care center, a liberation school, community dinners, poetry and films. Thousands of supporters attend activities - it was a defining moment. Occupying the Armitage Avenue United Methodist Church in May 1969, the Young Lords set up programs inside what they called the People's Church. The building remained a church but also served as the Young Lords National Headquarters for nearly two years.

Location:
163 E. 111th St & Lexington Avenue

Union Settlement

Union Settlement is one of the oldest settlement houses in New York City, providing community-based services and programs that support the immigrant and low-income residents of East Harlem since 1895. It is East Harlem’s largest social service agency and serves 10,000 people annually through programs including early childhood education, youth services, senior services, adult education, mental health, small business development and community outreach.

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Location:
104th St. between 2nd Avenue & 3rd Avenue

Art Space

El Barrio’s Artspace PS109 is a community-driven project which transformed an abandoned public school in East Harlem into an arts facility. Designed by Charles B.J. Snyder and completed in 1898, this structure is five stories tall with a steeply pitched roof, copper-clad cupolas, and a wealth of newly restored decorative terra cotta. Today, the project boasts 90 units of affordable live/work housing for artists and their families, as well as 10,000 square feet of complementary space for arts organizations.

Location:
215 East 99th Street (between 2nd & 3rd Avenue)

My Favorite Place La Fonda Boricua

Mexican Cultural Influence on East 116th St

116th Street, a vibrant commercial corridor with a majority of Mexican owned small susiness Owners! Located in the heart of El Barrio, this bustling street is bursting with energy, color, and culture. From mouth-watering tacos and traditional Mexican delicacies to handmade crafts and authentic fashion, this Mexican-owned corridor offers a diverse range of products and services that showcase the richness and diversity of Mexican culture.

My Favorite Place Comedy in Harlem

Frenchy Coffee NYC

Coffee Shop and French Bakery in the vibrant neighborhood of Spanish Harlem.
Quality Coffee and Tea drinks, fresh pastries and other savory treats all made on premises

Located at:
129E 102nd Street  New York, NY, 10029
https://frenchycoffeenyc.com/

Pabade Bakery

Pabade is a family-owned bakery & cafe with a huge variety of freshly baked goods. From vegan muffins and flourless financiers to custom cakes and alfajores, all of our products are non-GMO and preservative-free.

Located at
135 East 110th Street
New York, NY 10029
https://www.pabadebakery.com/

El Barrista Cafe

Located at:
2154 3rd Ave
New York, NY 10035
https://www.instagram.com/elbarristanyc/?hl=en

My Favorite Place Charles Pan Fried Chicken

My Favorite Place Uptown Shots

Dell'Aria

Our premier location and headquarters are an expression of everything we care about in coffee and the community. Our expert baristas craft a wide variety of beverages from single-origin espresso and flat white’s to authentic Sicilian Moka pot lattes to Cafe Napolitano’s to Affogato. Our baristas speak coffee.

Located at:
232 E. 111th Street New York, NY 10029
https://www.dellariacaffe.com/visit-2/

El Regalo Mágico / The Magic Gift

"El Regalo Mágico"
2016
East 110th Street and Lexington Avenue

Located in the East Harlem section of New York City in collaboration with Celso González and Roberto Biaggi of CERO Design, Puerto Rico. The title of the mural, "El Regalo Mágico/The Magic Gift", refers to the gift of inspiration. The figure is based on respected Nuyorican author Nicholasa Mohr, who lives nearby, and is known for being one of the first widely published Latina authors in the United States.

For more information:
https://www.elmac.net/murals-outdoors/view/4781593/1/4781610

Tito Puente

Tito Puente and his iconic hit, “Oye Como Va”, has its very own tribute on the corner of 3rd and 110th street. Fun Fact: 110th Street is also known as Tito Puente Way. El Rey De Los Timbales found his rhythm on the streets of Spanish Harlem which is why the neighborhood has paid homage to the hit-maker by keeping his presence alive. Tito Puente is the face of Latin music for many people. His showmanship, musical talent, and dedication to performing kept him in the spotlight from his early performances in the 1940s until his death in 2000. He was born in 1923 in Spanish Harlem to parents who were both Puerto Rican descendants. (2000 3rd Avenue)

Learn more:
https://www.travelcoterie.com/visit-spanish-harlems-oye-como-va-mural/

Caribbean Culture Center

CCCADI’s programs serve children/youth, families, young professionals, elders, local, and international artists, and practitioners of African-based spiritual traditions. Through our work CCCADI offers a collective space where African descendants honor the contributions of the global African Diaspora through exhibitions, performances, conferences, educational programs, and international exchanges. (120 East 125th Street)

Learn more:
https://www.cccadi.org/

JVS Project Space

The Project Space brings a new dynamic to the burgeoning East Harlem art scene by offering established emerging artists the opportunity to develop and present an installation or a new body of work to an audience of artists, collectors, curators, and art enthusiasts. Inspired by mentor, great teacher and artist, Robert Blackburn, JVS Project Space continues to be a space for artists to learn, create, and find community and inspiration through the creative potential of printmaking in New York City. In tandem with Julio Valdez Studio, LLC. The Project Space allows artists to create and facilitate opportunities by presenting and sharing their work, here, in the nexus of the art world. (181 East 108th Street)

Learn more:
https://www.jvsprojectspace.com/

Young Lords

The Young Lords were a revolutionary group of young Puerto Rican activists who organized for social justice in their communities during the late 1960s-1970s. They were committed to the liberation of all oppressed peoples, fighting racism and injustice with an emphasis on issues of health, food, housing and education. Inspired by the Black Panthers, they were founded in Chicago in 1968, and formed a New York chapter in East Harlem in 1969. (99th Street Between 2nd and 3rd Avenue)

Learn more:
https://www.mappingresistance.com/copy-of-madison-avenue-1

My Favorite Place Mary's Candy Store

Xclusive Arrivals

->>Watch Now<<-

Xclusive Arrivals is a sneaker store in East Harlem that has earned a reputation as a go-to destination for sneakerheads and casual shoe enthusiasts alike. With a wide selection of the latest releases from all the top brands, Xclusive Arrivals is the perfect place to find the perfect pair of sneakers to complete your outfit. Their knowledgeable staff is always on hand to help customers find what they're looking for, and they pride themselves on providing exceptional customer service. Xclusive Arrivals also offers a range of streetwear and accessories to complement your new kicks. But what sets them apart is their commitment to the community - they regularly host events and giveaways to give back to their loyal customers and support local initiatives. Whether you're a serious sneaker collector or just looking for a fresh pair of kicks, Xclusive Arrivals is a must-visit store in East Harlem.

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My Favorite Place La Marqueta

My Favorite Place Brownstone

My Favorite Place Hot Jalapeno

My Favorite Place East Harlem Bottling Co.

Pop-Up Ice Skating Rink & Holiday Market

Date:
December 6, 13 & 20

Time:
7:00pm - 9:00pm

Location:
El Sitio Feliz Garden
237 East 104th New York, NY 10029

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Holiday Tree Lighting

Date:
December 6

Time:
6:30pm - 7:30pm

Location:
Franklin Plaza, 106th Street and Third Avenue

The tree may be 21 but we're still giddy with holiday joy
and invite all the children to join us as we light up the East Harlem Holiday Tree for the 21st time!

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47th Annual Three Kings Day Celebration 2025

Date:
Monday, January 6, 2025

Time:
11:00am - 12:00pm
1:30pm - 2:30pm (Parade)

Location:
1230 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10029

Join us for El Museo del Barrio's 47th Annual Three Kings Day Celebration!
This year’s theme, The Arts Open Paths, celebrates the power of Latinx, Caribbean, and Latin American art to connect cultures and uplift communities. Immerse yourself in vibrant performances, larger-than-life puppets, and festive music as we honor the incredible contributions of our diverse heritage.
Come witness the magic that art brings to our city by participating in our parade as it winds through the streets of East Harlem.
Following the parade, join us in El Museo’s Teatro for a Community Celebration honoring the Three Kings traditions featuring live music and performances.

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Gingerbread NYC: The Great Borough Bake-Off

Welcome to a snowy wonderland, where famous landmarks and icons of New York City are lovingly recreated in gingerbread.

From ice skating in the parks across the five boroughs to department store windows and the tree at Rockefeller Center, nowhere is more iconic than the city in winter. Now, sweet details and tasty history combine in a miniature frosted cityscape for our third annual bake-off.

The Museum has invited bakers from across the five boroughs to create gingerbread displays on the theme of “Iconic New York”—creating distinctive buildings, places, or things that represent their neighborhood, community, or borough.

A panel of prominent New York City-based bakers, curators, and restaurant owners awarded prizes in a variety of categories, and you’re invited to help select the final award by voting for the “People’s Choice.” There will also be a holiday-themed makerspace with crafts for kids.

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The 10th Annual Universal Pasteles Contest

Date:
November 16

Time:
2pm - 9pm
2:30pm-4:30pm Contest

Music, food, award presentation and lots of Pasteles from all over NYC.
Location:
El Barrio Art Space - 215 E. 99th Street, New York, 10029

Opening Night of "Once Upon a Time in the Caribbean" - Honoring Iris Chacón and David Zayas

Date:
November 16

Time:
5:00pm

Location:
1230 5th Ave, New York, NY 10029

Join us for the Opening Night of the 14th Edition of the International Puerto Rican Heritage Film Festival.
We will honor Iris Chacón with the Lifetime Achievement Award and David Zayas with the Orgullo Award.
Immediately after, we will have the New York premiere of "Once Upon a Time in the Caribbean".

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PRIDA Artisan's Holiday Market

🎁 PRIDA Puerto Rican Artisan’s Holiday Market 🎁

📅 Saturday, December 14th
🕛 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
📍 El Barrio’s Artspace PS109
🎟️ Free Entry

Looking for the perfect holiday gift with a personal touch? Join us at the PRIDA Artisan’s Holiday Market, where talented local artisans from Harlem and the uptown community showcase handmade treasures rooted in Puerto Rican traditions. 🇵🇷✨

Discover unique gifts, support local makers, and connect with the vibrant artistry of PRIDA (Puerto Rican Institute for the Development of the Arts). From jewelry to decor, each item tells a story of culture and craft, making this the perfect place to shop thoughtfully this holiday season.

Come for the gifts, stay for the community! 🎨🛍️

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Harlem Night Market at La Marqueta

Date:
December 7, 14 and 21

Time:
3pm - 8pm

Location:

Lot 2 of La Marqueta (112th & Park) and surrounding public spaces

The Harlem Night Market brings together more than 50 local vendors for great food, drink and holiday shopping over three weekends in December at the historic La Marqueta.

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Ugly, Pretty & Pet Sweater Contest

Date:
November 30, 2024

Time:
3:00pm - 6:00pm

Location:
Harlem Art Park
East 120th Street between 3rd & Lexington Avenue

Hot Chocolate Rides

Date:
Sundays, December 1, 8 & 15

Time:
1:00pm - 3:00pm

Location:
Coffee shops across Upper Manhattan

Hot Chocolate Rides give participants the opportunity to explore some of the best coffee shops Uptown, all while sipping hot chocolate and learning tips for winter bike riding. Bikes and helmets are provided for free thanks to support from Citi Bike.

Learn More
@elbarriobikes, @uptowngrandcentral

Vision of Love, End of Year Vision Board Workshop

Date:
Friday, December 27th

Time:
6:00pm - 9:30pm

Location:
El Barrio's Artspace PS109
215 E.99th Street, New York, NY 10029

Join us in creating Visions of Love for the coming year!
We will gather to get crafty & create vision boards.
$25 includes all materials & 1 drink, light snacks & refreshments available

Learn More
@elbarriosartspace

El Barrio Pinta

Date:
Friday, November 15

Time:
6:00pm - 10:00pm

Location:
El Barrio's Artspace PS109
215 E.99th Street, New York, NY

Friday November 15th El Barrio Pinta! is back!
join us for an evening of soul freeing Deejay sets, Live Art & Good Vibes
between 6pm - 10pm for a $10 cover.

Holiday Parranda & Community Giveaway presented by the 23rd & 25th Precinct

Holiday Parranda Parade & Community Giveaway
Presented by the 23rd & 25th Precinct

🎄 Date & Time: Friday, December 23rd 5PM - 9PM, starting on 119th St & Lexington Ave (in front of the 25th Precinct).

Join us for a festive Holiday Parranda Parade filled with music, joy, and community spirit! We’ll kick off at 5PM at 119th St and Lexington Ave, marching together to spread holiday cheer as we make our way to 99th St.

✨ Once we arrive to El Barrio's Artspace PS109 215 E.99th Street, New York, NY 10029, the celebration continues with a special giveaway of toys and food for families in the community.

Let’s come together, share joy, and make the holiday season brighter for all!

📲 RSVP:
Text or Call: 917-853-6532
Email: Miguel.Rivera2@nypd.org

We can’t wait to see you there! 🎁

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Dia de los Reyes with La Casa

👑 FIESTA de REYES y REINAS 2025 👑

📅 Saturday, January 4th, 2025
🕓 Starting at 4:00 PM
📍 La Casa de la Herencia Cultural Puertorriqueña, Spanish Harlem
🎟️ Free Entry

Join us as La Casa de la Herencia Cultural Puertorriqueña commemorates the 2025 FIESTA de REYES y REINAS!

🎉 Enjoy a festive afternoon filled with food, drinks, music, and community joy. This celebration honors the vibrant traditions of the Puerto Rican Three Kings Day and brings neighbors and friends together for an unforgettable gathering.

Save the date and swing by if you're in El Barrio—we can't wait to celebrate with you! 🎶✨

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Parranda en El Barrio!

Date:
December 7, 2024

Time:
2:00PM - 4:00PM

Location:
El Museo del Barrio
1230 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10029

Join us as we kick off the holidays honoring the tradition of parrandas, Puerto Rican holiday caroling! Meet us at El Museo del Barrio on Saturday, December 7th at 2 PM to join the fun, with a live musical performance including audience participation! You will learn about the origins of parrandas, and the plena rhythm that guides it’s storytelling tradition. Shortly after, we will welcome everyone to join us as we take the celebration onto the street and into the East Harlem community! All ages welcome! Dress appropriately for an outdoor experience.

Space is limited, and is first-come, first served.
Register at Elmuseo.org

Kwanzaa Celebration

🌟 **Join CCCADI for a Vibrant Kwanzaa Celebration!** 🌟

Dive into the rich history and cultural significance of Kwanzaa with our 60-minute interactive demonstration. Led by passionate facilitators of Threads of Truth, explore the principles of Kwanzaa, learn how to set up your own Kwanzaa table, and engage in uplifting music and dance. Experience the spirit of Harambee (Let’s Pull Together) and Umoja (Unity) through dynamic performances, including special acts from local artists.

Don't miss our Cultural Marketplace, where you can shop for everything you need to celebrate Kwanzaa, from candles and Kinara to traditional foods and unique gifts. Savor delicious "small plate" cultural foods and healthy options as you embrace the principle of Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics).

Additionally, get creative at our Ancestral Wall Collage workshop, where you'll contribute to a stunning visual tribute to significant historical figures.

Come celebrate with us on Sat 12/21/24!
Let’s honor our heritage and uplift our community together!

Learn more