Annual Latin Culture Carnival Takes Place in Kingsbridge Heights Amid Heatwave

By SÍLE MOLONEY & MIRIAM QUIÑONES

The prevailing heatwave that saw temperatures soar to over 100 degrees last weekend didn’t stop around 50 residents from venturing out to enjoy the Annual Latin Culture Carnival [El Carnival de la Cultura Latina] which took place next to the Kingsbridge Amory on West 195th Street between Reservoir Avenue and Jerome Avenue in Kingsbridge Heights on Sunday, June 23. 

Attached are some photos of the event captured by freelance photographer, Miriam Quiñones.

Some workers were seen busily making tacos at the carnival, while a Los Campos employee was seen making homemade latte and frappes.

Representatives from Elara Caring, an organization which helps with assisted daily living, handed out information about their services.

Anny, Aleany, Willy, Matthew, Zoe, Leah and Jayren all had fun riding their bikes taking advantage of the car-free open streets at the Carnival. 

NYC Department of Corrections Officers Gomez, Sifonte and Ramos handed out stickers to children to put on their bikes. 

Todd Milhouse and Carolina Gomez handed out cups of free ice cream at the Carnival. 

Representatives with KL Sanchez Law Office, which serves all of New York City, Keetick Sanchez, lawyer, Linda M, Sonita E, and Jenny C manned their table at the Carnival, handing out information on their services to attendees. 

Representatives from Somos, which provides services through a network of community-based physicians, specialists, health care providers and medical facilities, also handed out information on their services to attendees at the Carnival.

As above, the Carnival took place on West 195th Street which is adjacent to the Kingsbridge Armory. As reported, a fire actually broke out at the historic amory in April caused seemingly by burning cables, but fortunately didn’t seem to have a major impact though it did generate quite a bit of smoke. As reported, the armory is being redeveloped amid a long RFP process. 

New York City Mayor Eric Adams, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) President and CEO Andrew Kimball, Northwest Bronx Community & Clergy Coaltion, and others unveiled the guiding principles for the “Together for Kingsbridge Vision Plan” in August 2023, outlining next steps for a process that will include the latest redevelopment of the historic and long-underutilized Armory, since the last failed Ice Center project was finally abandoned in 2022.

The latest Request for Proposal (RFP) period for development bidders to respond to ended on Jan. 18, as reported, following a lengthy community envisioning process, discussed during a series of workshops held over several months, and which were rooted in community priorities, and drawing on growing industries.

The RFP was launched in September 2023. The vision plan focuses on creating family-sustaining, local jobs and improving the quality of life for residents of Kingsbridge Heights and the neighboring Bronx communities.

Read our previous story about the 2022 annual carnival here.