The Fourth Annual Lower East Side History Month is kicking off this week, “a neighborhood-wide celebration of the unique legacies” of one of New York’s most vibrant communities.
The event was created by Fourth Arts Block and Downtown Art, in partnership with dozens of LES groups. More than 80 organizations and businesses are now involved in the celebration. “At a time when the cultural history and diversity of many NYC neighborhoods is threatened,” the organizers note, “it feels more important than ever to recognize the stories and people that gave shape to our present.”
Coming up this weekend (May 5 and 6) is LES Stories, a chalking event on the sidewalks of the Lower East Side. More info is available here if you’d like to participate. Also during the weekend, you can be part of the celebration of the 30th anniversary of the 26 La Lucha Continua murals created by the community mural collective, Artmakers Inc. The project is part of the historical memorial exhibit of La Lucha Continúa, The Struggle Continues from The Loisaida Center. There will be an opening reception at First Street Green Art Park this Sunday. The painting will take place at the park, located at East Houston and Second Avenue, beginning Friday. Anyone’s welcome to join in.
Other big events during the month include: The 30th Annual Loisaida Festival (May 28), the Greek Jewish Festival (May 21), the Essex Street Market Block Party (May 20) and the LES Community Hero Awards (May 18).
There are too many events to mention all of them here, but we’ll have more highlights during the month. For a complete schedule, click here.
