In the heart of Queens, Jackson Heights, the Colombian community celebrated 212 years of independence as it best characterizes them: Music, dance and color.
This is the first organized by Evelyn Heilbron, from Barranquilla, and Oscar Escobar, from Envigado Medellín.
“It motivated us that they told me that this year there was no Colombian parade. That hurt me, knowing that all countries have their stop and Colombia was going to have absolutely nothing. And I said the 34? lend it to me? Does the church support me? Let’s do the festival here,” Escobar explained.
The central 34th avenue, converted into a boulevard since the pandemic, was the scene between 80th and 82nd streets. Evelyn says that they knocked on many doors looking for support.
“We started with nothing. And I could tell you that today we have everything, thanks to the community and all the people who believe in us,” said Evelyn.
John Bedoya, owner of the Latino Bites restaurant, they say, not only received them but also sponsored them.
“Five years ago we came to the Jackson Heights area and when they had the parade on Northern Blvd we were there with the little cart,” Bedoya said.
In a pandemic this truck fed tens of thousands. Your success? The fusion of Mexican-Colombian food.
One of the distinctive things that we found in this festival was some speakers. They tell us that they are from Barranquilla and that they have their own name. One, for example, is called “my love.”
Before the party, the organizers took advantage of the space to hold a health fair.
“We took 34th Avenue especially to bring you health resources and services because we want to improve the health of the Latino community here in Jackson Heights,” said State Senator Jessica Ramos.
The rumba got hot as the afternoon came and the mercury at 96.
Cindy came all the way from Long Island for her favorite salsero.
“I found out on Instagram. Through the salsero Brandon Pérez. I am a fan of him and have gone to Cali to see him with my family,” said Cindy Cobo.
This time it was two blocks. But by 2023, without impediments, those of “is he scared or what?” They hope there will be many more.
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