Cosa Nuestra: An Unforgettable Night of Latin Music, Culture, and Culinary Art

This weekend, Puerto Rican-founded cultural collective Cosa Nuestra held their second successful event in New York City.

A revolutionary cultural platform and truly immersive experience, Cosa Nuestra ¡Pa' la Ciudad! brings together creatives to create a new global perception of Latinos. This year's edition of the event was invitation only and found its inspiration in the history of the drum, bringing together art, culture, and cuisine to explore, celebrate, and educate about Afro-Latino culture.

IMAGE CREDIT: Megan Mack

Acclaimed electro-rumba group IFÉ headlined the event while New York-born Puerto Rican poet and actor Flaco Navaja narrated the show, demonstrating the evolution of Afro-Latino culture by following the history of the drum, from its birthplace of Africa through Latin America to New York City. There were also electric musical performances from Ilu Aye, female Puerto Rican trio Émina, and a variety of hand-selected Latin musicians from New York City.

IMAGE CREDIT: MEGAN MACK

"I have never experienced an energy of this scale in my life. The goal of elevating our Latino culture was more than accomplished," Manolo Lopez, founder of the event, said. "It was a night filled with emotion where we led the audience on a journey from the roots of Latino history to the present and it uplifted, and united us--i'm grateful to carry my flag and stand proud alongside all of the outstanding individuals who came and those all of those who made this event happen."

IMAGE CREDIT: Megan Mack

As they savored the night's festivities, attendees were offered the best food and drink crafted by top Puerto Rican chefs and mixologists. Cocktails were mixed by Leslie Cofresi and Roberto Berdecia of Puerto Rico's acclaimed cocktail bar La Factoria, and delicious culinary creations were crafted by Puerto Rican chefs Maria Mercedes, Ibrahim Sanz, Guillermo López, and Esteban Muñiz.

IMAGE CREDIT: Megan Mack

Established in 2016, Cosa Nuestra aims to combat anti-Latino rhetoric by shining an illuminating light on Latin music, art, and cuisine. The collective will use Saturday's unforgettable event as a launching point to turn their platform into a global movement. Look out for more exciting events coming soon!

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