What to expect at the Cuban Music Festival in Los Angeles!?

May 20, 2014

My sister from another mister, pal Lissette Schuster (no relation!) invited me over to her house this weekend for some Tostadas (toasted Cuban bread with mantequilla) and a few Cafecitos Cubanos (made authentically with lots of azucar and espumita made by her Cuban Mom). I could have been content with those three(!) delicious cups Bustello coffee – but we were only getting started…

This weekend in Echo Park, was the annual Cuban Music Festival, a free family festival that celebrates the cultural heritage of the Cuban community living throughout Los Angeles.

This is the only major celebration in Los Angeles of Dia de la Independencia de Cuba (Cuban Independence Day), which commemorates the Caribbean Island’s freedom from Spain on May 20, 1902. It was a gathering of Latinos far and wide – celebrating, dancing and doing what we do best – partying!

Live Salsa!

And what Latin festival would be complete without the delicious food!? The Cubanos and Medianoches from Baracoa Lounge were on par – I had been craving a Cubano after seeing Jon Favreau’s movie Chef last week and I was so excited to finally be able to get my fix!

Yes. Yes. Yes.

We waited for a very long time in line for our sandwiches, but it was all good since I had stashed some Stack Wine in my purse (there was no alcohol sold at the fest).

Stack Wine!

Echo Park was a perfect location for the event. We kept bumping into other friends and family at the Festival.

2 Shusters and a momma! Puerto Rican and Cuban blood!

2 Shusters and a momma! Puerto Ricans and Cubans hugging it out!

We danced to live salsa performances and ate some authentic Cuban food. We couldn’t have asked for better weather. It was the perfect way to relax and spend the weekend.

Relaxing in the park

Next year I hope to see MORE food vendors and a few more drink sponsors. It’s a great opportunity to promote all the deliciousness of Cuban food in LA. Check out the recap in pics below.