All Of It Podcast Summary Episode: Loisaida Festival Celebrates Puerto Rican Artists On The LES Host: Alison Stewart | Release Date: May 19, 2025

Introduction to the Loisaida Festival

In this vibrant episode of All Of It, host Alison Stewart delves into the heart of New York City's cultural tapestry by spotlighting the 38th Annual Loisaida Festival. Scheduled for Sunday, May 25th, the festival is a grand celebration of Puerto Rican and Latinx history and culture in the Lower East Side (LES). Stewart introduces Alejandro Epifano Torres, the Executive Director of the Loisaida Center, who provides an in-depth look into the festival's significance and its upcoming festivities.

Honoring Marlise Momber

A poignant highlight of this year's festival is its dedication to Marlise Momber, a cherished resident of the Loisaida community. Marlise, a German immigrant who resided in the LES from 1975, was renowned for her unwavering dedication to documenting the Puerto Rican community.

Alejandro shares, “Marlise really embedded herself in the neighborhood. She dedicated her career as a photographer to documenting just life around in the neighborhood in a time where really there was not much attention paid to Loisaida or this area of the Lower East Side” (02:21).

Marlise's legacy is further cemented by her 1978 documentary, "Viva Loisaida," which captures the essence of the community during a period of significant demographic transition—from a predominantly Jewish neighborhood to a vibrant Puerto Rican enclave. Alejandro emphasizes her pivotal role in the homesteading movement, where community members renovated abandoned buildings to reclaim and rejuvenate the area.

Festival Highlights and Activities

The Loisaida Festival boasts a rich array of activities that celebrate both the past and the future of the community:

• Community Parade: Kicking off at 11:30 AM, the parade serves as a lively wake-up call to neighbors, signaling the start of the festivities. Led by the all-women ensemble Batalla New York and featuring contingents of public school children and various community organizations, the parade embodies unity and celebration (05:34).

• Main Stage Performances: Starting at 12:00 PM, the main stage is set to feature a diverse lineup of artists, including Joe Batan, Anissa Gatherers, and urban talents like Ana Macho. Alejandro notes the importance of showcasing a broad spectrum of musical genres to reflect the community's rich cultural heritage: “Puerto Rico is very well known for its music and I think it's very important to highlight this wide ensemble of genres that we actually support” (06:33).

• Exhibition of Marlise's Photography: In a heartfelt tribute, Marlise's photographic work will be displayed at Gallery Piragua Art Space on 10th Street between Avenue B and C. The gallery will remain open all day, and the official after-party of the festival will also take place there, allowing attendees to immerse themselves in her visual legacy (04:43).

Engaging Community Activities

The festival isn't just about performances; it's a comprehensive celebration that offers something for everyone:

• Open Mic Marathon at the Poets Cafe: Set between 8th and 9th Street along Avenue C, the New York and Poets Cafe collaborates with Bombayo, a Bronx-based group, to present traditional bomba music alongside an open mic session. This event is a nod to the area's poetic and musical traditions (07:18).

• Theater Lab at La Plaza Cultural: Located at the southwest corner of 9th Street, the Theater Lab is a mini-festival within the festival. It features:

  • Artist Video Circus: Interactive performances designed for children and families.
  • Puerto Rican MCs: A group of visiting MCs from Puerto Rico bring authentic rhythms and rhymes.
  • Doril Initiative: Showcasing youth dance choreography that highlights emerging talents (07:38).

• Biobus Mobile Lab: Celebrating its 11th consecutive year, the Biobus Mobile Lab brings a blend of science and culinary arts to the festival. Equipped with state-of-the-art scientific tools, it offers hands-on exploration and delves into the culinary significance of sofrito, a staple in Puerto Rican cuisine (08:12).

Family-Friendly Fun

Acknowledging the importance of family and community bonding, the festival offers numerous activities tailored for all ages:

• Free Bouncy Houses: Located on 11th Street, these attractions provide endless fun for children.
• Mini Basketball Tournament & Skill Challenge: Young athletes can test their basketball prowess and win exciting prizes, fostering a spirit of healthy competition and camaraderie (08:49).

Alejandro passionately invites everyone to participate, stating, “It really is a community celebration. It's a unique festival. It opens really other celebrations that will happen throughout the summer and the month of June” (09:10).

Artisan Showcase and Anticipations

One of Alejandro's personal highlights is the Puerto Rican Institute for the Development of the Arts Showcase. Spanning a full block, this showcase is dedicated to artisans and craftspeople, featuring live art and an array of handmade creations. Alejandro expresses his excitement: “I'm really looking forward to seeing the artisans this year” (09:40).

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

As the episode draws to a close, Alison Stewart wraps up the conversation by reiterating the festival's significance and extending warm wishes to attendees. Alejandro echoes this sentiment, encouraging everyone to experience the vibrant culture of Loisaida and to bring their friends along for what promises to be a memorable celebration.

Notable Quotes:

• Alejandro Epifano Torres: “Marlise really embedded herself in the neighborhood. She dedicated her career as a photographer to documenting just life around in the neighborhood in a time where really there was not much attention paid to Loisaida or this area of the Lower East Side” (02:21).

• Alejandro Epifano Torres: “Puerto Rico is very well known for its music and I think it's very important to highlight this wide ensemble of genres that we actually support” (06:33).

• Alejandro Epifano Torres: “It really is a community celebration. It's a unique festival. It opens really other celebrations that will happen throughout the summer and the month of June” (09:10).

Join the Celebration: Experience the rich cultural heritage of the Puerto Rican and Latinx communities at the 38th Annual Loisaida Festival this Sunday, May 25th. From parades and live performances to interactive workshops and artisan showcases, there's something for everyone in the family to enjoy.

For more insightful conversations on culture and its myriad expressions, tune into All Of It on WNYC, hosted by Alison Stewart, weekdays from 12:00 - 2:00 PM.