Sun, Feb 23Hicksville
Sat, Jan 11Westbury
Sat, Dec 14Brentwood LIRR Station Parking Lot
Sat, Dec 07Copiague
Tue, Dec 03Virtual Fundraising
Sat, Nov 02Huntington
Sun, Oct 27Kings Park
Sun, Oct 06Valley Stream
Sat, Oct 05Havana Central Roosevelt Field
Thu, Sep 19Bay Shore
Sun, Jul 28Bohemia Host Home
Sat, Jun 29Patchogue
Sun, Jun 23Lucharitos- Center Moriches
Sun, Jun 02Marching Position #44 - Walbridge Ave.
Sun, May 26Cantiague Park
Sun, Apr 28Valley Stream
Thu, Apr 18LIU, Winnick student Ctr. Share Bite
Parranda Navideña...with a Twist
Thank you to all our sponsors, including OPTIMUM, DH2 CHAUFFER & LIMOUSINE SERVICE, STATEFARM, ISLAND EMPANDAD, & and LI HISPANIC BAR ASSOCIATION.
The residents at the Island Assisted Living Center enjoyed our visit. The Youth of NYS Latina Mentoring Program of Uniondale is one of our teen-friendly gift card collection recipients.
Enjoy pictures here from our additional supporter RoMaRo Photography.
Noche de Velitas: A Colombian Celebration Lights Up Long Island
Every December 7th, the vibrant Colombian tradition of Noche de Velitas comes to life as families and friends gather, illuminating their homes and businesses with candles, symbolizing wishes of hope and love for the holiday season.
Luisa Roman, a proud member of Latina Moms Connect (LMC) and head of the LMC Velitas planning committee shared that bringing this cherished childhood memory to her Long Island community was a dream come true. As a Long Island resident, Luisa believes sharing a piece of her homeland is a gift, emphasizing the importance of celebrating diverse traditions and cultures within the community.
The evening was a true coming together of community members. Generous sponsors contributed to a delightful array of Colombian delicacies, including empanadas, buñuelos, natilla, and hot chocolate. DJ John G from Long Island's station, La Fiesta, kept the celebration alive with memorable hits throughout the night. Raffle prizes, all donated by sponsors, were a big hit with attendees. All funds raised will help ensure more cultural events and activities by LMC.
The festivities kicked off with a spirited performance by Ana Valentina Ortiz Jiménez, and Reina Juvenil of the Carnaval of Barranquilla NY. The crowd was then transported to Colombia as the room filled with the sounds of live instruments, courtesy of the 2023 Reina of Carnaval, Stephanie Sandoval y el Grupo de Millo, captivating everyone present. The night culminated with attendees gathering outdoors for the lighting of luminaries, marking the official start of the holiday season.
For Sophia Sanchez, attending Velitas with her mom made her feel closer to her heritage. Sophia, whose grandfather was born in Colombia, expressed that participating in Velitas was a first for her and she eagerly looked forward to sharing her experience with her grandfather.
The well-attended event drew notable figures such as Town of Babylon Supervisor Rich Shaffer, the first Latina member of Patchogue Village Board, Lizbeth Carillo, as well as NY State Assemblymember Kimberly Jean Pierre, and Suffolk County Legislator Jason Richberg.
