These Lower East Side streets will be empty again during the Loisaida festival… but the neighborhood will still be able to enjoy it.
The Loisaida festival, which celebrates its 34th edition, will be held virtually for the second consecutive year.
This is how the neighborhood streets used to look during the celebration.
The festival attracts more than 25 thousand people each year. But since mass meetings are not yet recommended due to the pandemic, the organizers of the Loisaida center decided to carry it out online.
“All the people of a lot of culture came, the streets were closed, they danced, they sang. This was good, very happy, there was a lot of music, people selling food, we took out food, we sold to people who came and had a great time”, explained Patricia Valencia, owner of Cafe Cortadito.
Patricia owns a Cuban restaurant on the Lower East Side and says that festival day was when her business was busiest all year.
“Double, because they allowed us to close the street so we put tables all over the yard around here, in front of the restaurant, on the street, it was crazy,” added Valencia.
Still recovering from the pandemic, Patricia says she needs to host as many diners as possible and, when the festival is not in person, a great opportunity is lost.
“I think people are going to miss him a lot, but at the same time maybe they are going to go out, they are going to come, even though they are not going to the festival but I’m sure they are going to come. tired of being at home, people want to go out, they want to breathe, they want to make friends, they want to talk, “said Valencia.
One of the things the festival celebrates this year is the Lower East Side’s roots and resilience, creativity, and growth.
During two Sundays in the month of May, people will be able to enjoy a live broadcast of musicians, artists, and family entertainment.
Que Viva Loisaida Festival 2021! https://t.co/nR8oZp644N
— Loisaida Inc. (@LoisaidaInc) May 11, 2021
The transmission will be done through platforms such as Facebook and YouTube.
The Loisaida festival will take place virtually on Sundays, May 23 and 30, starting at 2 in the afternoon.
For more information you can visit the website loisaidafest.nyc
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