Latin American Community
General Information
History
The Latino population in southwestern Pennsylvania has increased more than 50% between 1990-2000. In 2000, the U.S. Census reported that 17,457 Latinos live in the region. Latinos in the region constitute a varied group, with a strong representation of South Americans, relative to other areas in the United States. Latinos are part of the regional workforce and hold diverse positions ranging from professional and very specialized to customer service and clerical.
Arts (film, dance, music)
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Coro Latinoamericano – Pittsburgh: (http://www.elcorolatino.com)
The Coro Latinoamericano of Pittsburgh is a cultural institution founded in November 1997 with the objective of maintaining a live Latin-American chorale in this region of the United States.
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Revista Radial Latinoamericana
WRCT 88.3FM
Thursdays, 6:00-7:00 p.m.
Broadcasting from Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, we send our signal to listeners all over the world via our mp3 netcast at www.wrct.org
Hear the latest news from Latin America including sports, politics, economics, local news interviews and events of the Hispanic community in Pittsburgh. Broadcast in Spanish and English.
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Brazilian Radio Hour
WRCT 88.3FM
Fridays, 6:00-7:00 p.m.
Broadcasting from Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh.
Professional Associations
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The Pittsburgh Metropolitan Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce: (http://pmahcc.org)
Provide regional business opportunities which allow economic growth, while simultaneously advocating, promoting, and facilitating the success of Hispanic businesses.
Religious Information
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Hispanic Ministry Office- Spanish Mass:
There is a Catholic mass in Spanish at Saint Regis Church, every Sunday at 12:00 p.m. (noon)
3235 Parkview Avenue, Pittsburgh (South Oakland), PA 15213
Pastor: Father Daniele Vallecorsa, S.T.L.
Phone: 412-681-9365
Fax: 412-681-1175
Website: http://www.stregisparish.org/
Cultural Organizations
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The Heritage Room Project: (http://www.heritageroom.org)
The Latin American and Caribbean Heritage Classroom project, at the University of Pittsburgh’s Cathedral of Learning, is a community effort that aims at representing the cultural heritage of the Latin American & Caribbean region.
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Latin American Cultural Union (LACU): (http://www.lacunet.org)
The Latin American Cultural Union is a non-profit organization dedicated to cultivating and preserving Latin American cultural traditions in Southwestern Pennsylvania. The Directorio Latino en Pittsburgh lists information about Latin American music, restaurants, language groups, cultural activities, and more: http://www.lacunet.org/archivos/directory/DIRECTORIO%20LATINO.htm
Argentinean
The Argentinean community in Pittsburgh is small and there is no formal association; however, some of them are members of the Latin American Cultural Union (LACU), some are associated with the Center for Latin American Studies at the University of Pittsburgh, and some are members of the Latin American Students Association (LASA) at Duquesne University.
They celebrate May 25 and July 9 as Argentinean national holidays, when they usually enjoy the taste of empanadas and asado (grill meat). They often drink "mate" and can find the yerba (herbs), the bombilla (straw), and the mate (recipient) in "Tango Café" and the Strip District (Reyna Foods). They also enjoy Argentinean pastries and "Submarino" (hot milk with chocolate bars) at the "Tango Café" in Squirrel Hill where they can also dance the Argentinean Tango, and listen to folk music. Finally, Antonio's Catering sells products from Argentina in addition to catering.
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Tango Café: (www.tangocafepgh.com)
5806 Forward Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15217
Phone: 412-421-1390
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Antonio’s Catering:
Authentic Argentinean catering providing a wide variety of typical dishes from several regions of Argentina.
Phone: 412-824-7423
Brazilian
We have left Brazil, but Brazil has not left us! That is the attitude of the dynamic Brazilian community in Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh has an estimated Brazilian community of about 300-500 people.
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Arrepia Brazil: (www.arrepiabrasil.org)
Serves as the channel of information and contacts for the Brazilians and “Brazil-lovers” in Pittsburgh!
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University of Pittsburgh Brazil Club: (http://www.hispanic.pitt.edu/undergraduate/brazil-club.php)
Brazil Nuts Portuguese Club is an active student organization whose primary goal is student exposure to Brazilian culture and the Portuguese language.
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Green Forest Brazilian Restaurant and Churrascaria:
Famous for the Brazilian Churrasco
655 Rodi Rd, Penn Hills, PA 15235
Phone: 412-371-5560
Chilean
With time, the Chilean community in Pittsburgh has grown, and with it, the need and desire to keep and divulge our history, traditions and culture. Because of this we have organized social and cultural activities to establish friendships and to help those who have just made Pennsylvania, their new home.
Community Contact: Rodolfo Vega
Email: rmvega@cs.cmu.edu
Colombian
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Colombia en Pittsburgh: (http://www.colombiaenpittsburgh.org)
An organization that mainly gathers Colombians and friends of Colombians to perform activities that promote the culture and good image of Colombia. Colombia en Pittsburgh welcomes all the Colombians who arrive in the city and invites them to contact the organization.
Mexican
The Mexican community in Pittsburgh has been growing in the past few decades. The community is comprised of a mix of students, professionals and families that study, work and live in the 'Burgh. Most Mexicans in Pittsburgh enjoy the diverse cultural and social aspects of the city, from the restaurants and entertainment events to the community parks, universities and colleges and local historical sites. Additionally, the thriving Latin American community provides a bilingual support group to newcomers.
Among some sites and events in Pittsburgh that may be of interest to newcomers are Cozumel Restaurant (Shadyside), Reyna Foods (Downtown), and Cinco de Mayo (Victory at the battle in Puebla) celebrations held around May 5th every year. Pittsburgh is a city that welcomes immigrants and visitors with open arms.
Community contact: Cathy Bazán-Arias
E-Mail: condor_mex@hotmail.com
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Cozumel Restaurant:
Mexican restaurant which sometimes features live music.
5507 Walnut Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15232
Phone: 412-621-5100
1145 E. Pittsburgh St.,
Greensburg, PA 15601-3603
Phone: 724-836-2653
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Reyna Foods:
A store that specializes in Latin products. Browse the front of the store for fresh chips, salsas, and a case full of tortillas, as well as frozen entrees. Farther back you'll find jars of dulce de leche and guava jelly, Mexican spices, and about 20 types of rice.
2023 Penn Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
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Mexico Lindo Mercado y Galeria de Artesanias: (http://www.mexicolindo.biz)
This store carries an astounding variety of crafts representing the traditions and arts of many of Mexico's indigenous peoples.
2027 Murray Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15217
Phone: 412-422-9984
Peruvian
The Peruvian community in Southwestern PA is a very socially active group of people. They like to collaborate and be part of every project or group related to Latin American issues. The majority of Peruvians in Pittsburgh come from Lima, and you would also find some from Arequipa, Trujillo, Cuzco, Apurimac, Cajamarca, Huancayo, etc.
Peruvians celebrate their Independence Day on July 28, and also celebrate a religious festival called "El Señor de los Milagros" with a procession in Oakland around the Spanish mass service at St. Hyacinth Church. Christmas is also celebrated along with the Latin American Cultural Union (LACU) Christmas party.
Community contact: Brent Rondón
Teléfono: 412-680-7958 (cell)
Teléfono: 412-396-6233 (oficina)
E-Mail: rondon@duq.edu
La Feria
Peruvian restaurant located in Shadyside, on Walnut St.
Phone: 412-682-4501
AJ's Burger and Peruvian Rotisserie Chicken
3608 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh (Oakland), PA 15213
412-586-4382
http://www.
Chicken Latino
155 21st Street, Pittsburgh (The Strip District), PA 15222
412-246-0974
http://www.chickenlatino.com/