Latin Flavors brings music, food and community to BAT

Music, dancing, food and local vendors filled the Brooklyn Army Terminal waterfront on Sunday, July 12, as families gathered for Summer at the Terminal: Latin Flavors and Culture.

The event was part of Brooklyn Army Terminal’s summer programming, which makes use of the Sunset Park waterfront for concerts, dance nights, sports, wellness activities and other community gatherings. Upcoming events include a live music concert on July 18, Family Soccer Day on July 19, Salsa Night on July 23 and Wellness on the Waterfront on July 26.

“It’s my second time coming, but this year I brought my granddaughter,” Delma said as she danced salsa and spoke with the Sunset Post. Her granddaughter played in an area for younger children with games including Jenga, Twister, checkers and a giant tic-tac-toe board. Delma, who is Dominican, joined the celebration with pride in her culture.

Music was central to the afternoon. From 1 to 7 p.m., the audience heard cumbia, salsa, reggae, merengue, flamenco and traditional Venezuelan drumming. Vendors represented Puerto Rico, Colombia, Mexico, Venezuela and the Dominican Republic.

Some of the vendors were emerging creators using the event to introduce their brands. Venna, a Puerto Rican entrepreneur based in Sunset Park, said the day had been challenging because her business was so new that she did not yet have business cards.

“I’m packing up early because it’s a lot of work,” she said. “It’s been a good experience, but I would tell people to promote their brand well.”

In addition to merchandise featuring the Puerto Rican flag, Vennabroklynn customizes items including umbrellas, bags, fans and chairs.

Deminis Perez and her husband represented the textile and fashion offerings. Their brand, Deminis Atelier, sells handmade shoes from the Dominican Republic.

“For me, it represents the style and originality of my country,” said Perez, the brand’s CEO.

Oscar and Mimi brought handmade notebooks, bowls, necklaces and bracelets, along with paintings. Oscar described the crafts as “made with the passion of our ancestors and brought into modern times.”

“Art is something the government cannot take away from us,” he said.

The pair said they were proud of their work and hoped the event would introduce it to new audiences.

Other vendors offered alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks and traditional foods from Venezuela, Colombia and Mexico. Semi, who works at Tacos Al Gusto NYC, said sales had been strong since the event began.

“It’s been going very well throughout the event,” she said. “Our food sells a lot, and paying by QR code makes it easier.”

Customers lined up for the vendor’s tacos and quesadillas, as well as Venezuelan-style hot dogs from D’Gustos Food and skewers from Pinchoclo. Visitors continued arriving until nearly the end of the event.

“I went to pick up my friend’s daughters,” said Chan, a Sunset Park resident. “I’m from China, but we really like Hispanic culture and its music.”

Chan said spaces such as Brooklyn Army Terminal can create a feeling of community while offering modern programming through a variety of events.

“We came specifically to enjoy an afternoon here, eat good Hispanic food and listen to music,” said Lina and Jamila, who were eating during the event’s opening hours.

The afternoon drew a diverse crowd together in celebration of Hispanic culture.

Diana, who is of Colombian heritage and helped coordinate the event at Brooklyn Army Terminal, said attendance increased after 2 p.m.

“The live flamenco and the music made more people stay, but I can say that even the first hour worked well,” she said. “We want BAT’s events this summer to help make the most of the season and offer the public something good to do here in Sunset Park.”

With face painting and colorful bracelets among the activities, even the youngest visitors enjoyed an afternoon filled with roots, tradition and, above all, culture.

See the full list of upcoming events on Brooklyn Army Terminal’s website.