Fiesta De Flores

By Felicha Stevens

The New York Botanical Gardens hosted its annual Fiesta De Flores September 19 in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. The event took place in the Stone Mill building, with vendors, artisans, live performances, and art.

Artists Giannina Gutierrez and Marthalicia Matarrita worked on canvases in front of attendees, who were invited to “sip and paint.”
 
“I think looking at art surrounded by nature promotes tranquility,” said Gutierrez.

Food samplings included edibles from Pollo Campero, a Bronx restaurant that specializes in Latin cuisine, and Havana Café, to name a few.

“We’ve been celebrating Fiesta De Flores in this setting for about seven years,” said Elizabeth Figueroa, NYBG associate vice president of community relations. “The atmosphere and vibe of tonight is absolutely wonderful. Everybody is together, everybody is having a good time, and they are enjoying the Hispanic culture.”

 New York State Assemblyman Marcos Crespo said he was pleased to see the celebration held in such an iconic institution. “This place is so special,” he said. “The fact that they take such care of many of our natural, environmental assets, plants, and flowers, but also take this time to celebrate who we are as a community.”

 
Sincere Allah, 48, came from Queens for the flowers and food. “I’ve always loved roses but in the park they have different exhibits of daffodils and so on and so forth,” he said. “Beatstro is here, Just Jazzy Cakes is here, so it’s all good!”
 
Nunzio Del Greco,  president and CEO of the Bronx Chamber of Commerce, said the NYBG was one of his favorite places in the Bronx. “I’m excited to be here and among great friends, it’s a beautiful venue,” said Del Greco.

Hispanic Heritage Month, which begins September 15th and runs until October 15th, acknowledges the contributions that Hispanic and Latino people have made to New York City.