It’s that time of year again — the NY Latin Food Fest is making a triumphant return to New York City this September 20-21, 2025, and trust me, you don’t want to miss it. After covering food festivals in NYC for over a decade, I can confidently say that the NY Latin Food Fest isn’t just another event — it’s a full-blown cultural phenomenon wrapped in layers of sazón, music, and pure joy. This year’s lineup? Absolutely insane. Think abuela-approved bites, world-class music, and — get this — a Chancla Throwing World Championship. Yes, chanclas. Flying through the air. Competitive-style.
A Taste of Latin America and the Caribbean in the Heart of NYC
The NY Latin Food Fest (click here for the details!) organized by the legendary MASC Hospitality Group (MHG) — the minds behind the Bronx Night Market and Uptown Night Market — is more than just food. It’s a love letter to Latin and Caribbean culture, served with a side of plantains and a dash of salsa music. Over 80 food vendors are lined up this year, representing the best of Dominican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, Mexican, and Venezuelan cuisine (among others).
I’ve covered the NY Latin Food Fest for years, and every time, it’s like stepping into a different world. The smell of grilled arepas and slow-roasted pork hits you the second you walk in. The air hums with the sound of salsa and reggaeton, and before you know it, you’re balancing a plate of empanadas in one hand and a mango chamoy paleta in the other, wondering if you can still pull off a merengue two-step. Spoiler alert: You can’t — but it doesn’t matter because the energy is infectious.
The First-Ever Chancla Throwing World Championship
Okay, let’s talk about the main event: the Chancla Throwing World Championship. If you grew up in a Latin household, you know the chancla isn’t just footwear — it’s a weapon of mass discipline. My grandmother could hit me from across the room without even looking, so this competition is basically honoring generations of precision and fear.
Thousands of competitors will line up, chanclas in hand, ready to channel their inner abuela and aim for the win. Accuracy, style, and sheer abuela energy will determine the champion. I’m betting the winner will have serious muscle memory from childhood trauma. If you’re feeling brave, sign up — but fair warning, abuelas don’t miss.
Abuela Approved: The Real Deal
Speaking of abuelas, the NY Latin Food Fest is taking authenticity to the next level with an “Abuela Approved” squad. A group of no-nonsense abuelas will be roaming the festival, judging the food, music, and overall vibe. If they give it the nod, you know it’s legit.
I remember covering the fest in 2019 when an abuela from the Bronx took one bite of a pastelito and simply said, “Needs more sofrito.” The vendor looked like they’d been hit by lightning. This year, the stakes are even higher — abuela approval means culinary street cred that money can’t buy.
Art, Music, and Community — Because It’s Not Just About Food
The NY Latin Food Fest isn’t just about stuffing your face (though let’s be real, that’s half the fun). There’s a Latino Wall of Fame celebrating Latin and Caribbean icons in entertainment, sports, and activism — a powerful reminder of how much this community has shaped NYC’s cultural landscape.
Live mural paintings and an outdoor art gallery will feature work from local Latinx and Caribbean artists. I’m talking vibrant colors, bold strokes, and stories told through paint. If you’ve never watched a mural come to life in real time, it’s hypnotizing. Last year, I stood there for an hour, watching an artist create a portrait of Celia Cruz — “Azúcar!”
And of course, there’s the Grand Domino Tournament. Dominoes are serious business in Latin culture — this isn’t some casual backyard game. Last year, I watched two 80-year-old men face off with the intensity of a heavyweight championship. Expect dramatic slams, intense stare-downs, and possibly some side bets.
The Food — Because Let’s Be Honest, That’s Why You’re Going
Let’s not forget the food. Over 80 vendors will be serving up dishes that are impossible to resist. Tacos al pastor sizzling on the grill. Mofongo topped with garlic shrimp. Cuban sandwiches oozing with melted cheese. And let’s not forget the sweets — tres leches cake, flan, and churros dusted with cinnamon sugar.
The NY Latin Food Fest is where you come hungry and leave stuffed. And the best part? The festival gives a platform to small businesses and independent vendors. You’re not just eating — you’re supporting the hardworking families that make NYC’s food scene so rich and diverse.
Why You Should Go
NYC has no shortage of food festivals, but the NY Latin Food Fest is different. It’s not just about food — it’s about identity, culture, and history. It’s about the sound of congas in the air, the taste of freshly made guacamole, and the feeling of belonging in a city that thrives on its diversity.
This festival is a reminder that food is more than sustenance — it’s memory, connection, and home. The chancla throwing? That’s just the cherry on top.
So, grab your friends, bring your appetite, and maybe practice your throwing arm. The NY Latin Food Fest is back — and it’s bigger, bolder, and spicier than ever.
Get Involved:
General admission is free with RSVP—but spots are limited! VIP tickets unlock early access, exclusive tastings, and front-row seats to performances.
Want to be part of the festival? Vendor applications, sponsorship opportunities, and media credentials are now open at www.nylatinfoodfest.com.
