In a world that often divides us by class, occupation, or status, I’ve always felt a deep calling to unite people. It’s more than a passion — it’s a purpose. I believe we all deserve spaces where we feel seen, valued, and connected, regardless of background. This belief inspired the creation of El Teteo, a cultural celebration that began as a personal remedy for homesickness and has since blossomed into a growing movement.
From Homesick to Homegrown: The Birth of El Teteo
In 2022, after relocating from New York City to Los Angeles, I felt an overwhelming disconnect. As a Dominican American born and raised in NYC — a city bursting with diversity and culture — I found myself yearning for the rhythm, warmth, and authenticity of my community back home. The feeling of not being understood or recognized culturally in LA led me to one powerful idea: create the space I was missing.
That’s when El Teteo was born. On February 26, 2022, I launched the first event in Los Angeles to honor Dominican Independence Day, in collaboration with Dominican American realtor Angela Carrasco and actress Katherine Castro. What started as a cultural get-together soon became a city-wide celebration. Over 600 people showed up — some flying in from New York just to be part of the moment.
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What Is Teteo?
The word “teteo” is Dominican slang that loosely translates to partying or gathering anywhere, from street corners to rooftops. It represents more than just a party — it’s a mindset. It’s the idea that joy, music, and community can bloom anywhere, even amidst hardship. Growing up, I saw how my family and neighbors turned ordinary places into sacred spaces of connection — whether with plastic chairs at the park or loudspeakers in a living room.
El Teteo encapsulates this energy, and brings it to places that often lack this kind of culturally rich, communal experience — places like Los Angeles.
East Coast Energy, West Coast Stage
Los Angeles has its own rhythm, but it lacked the electric, communal dance culture I grew up with in NYC. In many LA parties and clubs, people would simply stand around holding drinks — watching, not moving. I missed the East Coast vibe, where the music moves you, the crowd engages, and community thrives on shared expression.
El Teteo brought that vibe West, shining a spotlight on Latine Caribbean culture — specifically Dominican culture — in a city where it’s largely underrepresented. Many people in LA were unfamiliar with Dominicans and often surprised to hear me speak Spanish. That cultural gap further emphasized the importance of what I was building.
Creating Space for Representation and Joy
The success of El Teteo is not measured solely by attendance but by the emotional resonance it carries. It’s a space where Latine creatives, especially those in media and entertainment, come together, network, and build lasting connections. It’s a place where Caribbean and Afro-Latino culture takes center stage — with Dominican music, hookah, food, and fashion setting the tone.
Our events have drawn actors and creatives from major TV shows like Insecure, On My Block, Gentefied, Station 19, and How I Met Your Father. These are people often sidelined by an industry that doesn’t always reflect our full spectrum of identities. For many Afro-Caribbean Latines, especially those new to LA, finding community can feel like searching for a mirage. El Teteo changes that.
Challenging Hollywood’s Narrow Lens
As a Dominican American in Hollywood, I’ve faced a painful truth: the entertainment industry has a narrow definition of what “Latina” looks like. There’s a persistent expectation of light-skinned mestizas with Eurocentric features, often erasing Afro-Latina and Caribbean identities. This exclusion leaves many of us feeling unseen and undervalued.
But El Teteo offers a counter-narrative — one that says, we’re here, we exist, and our culture is powerful. It’s an act of joy and resistance. The parties aren’t just about dancing; they’re about rewriting the script that has long overlooked us. We celebrate Dominican icons, play dembow and bachata, and spotlight Dominican contributions to global culture — all while creating visibility for a community that continues to be marginalized.
Building a Caribbean Cultural Ecosystem
What started as one event has evolved into something greater: a Caribbean cultural movement in Los Angeles. El Teteo has become a hub for Afro-Latines and Caribbean creatives to connect, collaborate, and uplift each other — no gatekeepers, no need for validation from investors or executives who fail to see our value.
Through El Teteo, we’ve proven that our stories, our music, and our traditions matter. We’ve built something that is by us and for us — and that invites everyone to experience the richness of Dominican culture firsthand.
Giving Back to the Dominican Community
While joy and celebration are at the heart of El Teteo, giving back is just as important. This year, we partnered with The Dream Project, a nonprofit organization supporting educational opportunities for Dominican youth. By aligning with causes that uplift our people, we ensure that El Teteo isn’t just about the present — it’s about building a better future for the next generation.
Taking El Teteo Global
This summer, I’m preparing to bring El Teteo home to New York City, expanding the event into a bi-coastal — and eventually global — celebration. Our mission is to elevate Latine culture, highlight Dominican excellence, and create lasting change through representation and community-building.
NYC shaped me — it’s where I first saw what community could mean. Taking El Teteo back to where it all began feels like a full-circle moment. But this time, we’re dreaming even bigger: international reach, cultural partnerships, and more charitable impact.
A Legacy of Joy, Culture, and Unity
El Teteo is more than a party. It’s a movement of joy, born from pain, shaped by love, and driven by a vision to unite. It reminds us that no matter where we are — LA, NYC, or the Dominican Republic — our culture lives within us. And through music, dance, laughter, and shared experience, we keep that culture alive.
As my father always says, “You never know when God will call you, so enjoy the life you have today.” That’s what El Teteo embodies: honoring our ancestors, living fully in the present, and paving the way for future generations to thrive — all through community.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is El Teteo?
El Teteo is a cultural event series and community gathering rooted in Dominican traditions. It brings people together to celebrate Latine and Caribbean culture through music, dance, food, and shared joy — creating a space where all feel welcomed and connected.
What does “Teteo” mean?
“Teteo” is Dominican slang that refers to partying or gathering anywhere, often informally and spontaneously. It embodies the spirit of joy, resilience, and connection in Dominican culture — where good music, good people, and good vibes are all you need.
Who founded El Teteo?
El Teteo was founded by a Dominican American creative and community builder who moved from New York City to Los Angeles. Driven by homesickness and a lack of Dominican representation in LA, she launched El Teteo in 2022 to build community and celebrate culture.
Where was the first El Teteo event held?
The first El Teteo event was hosted in Los Angeles on February 26, 2022, in honor of Dominican Independence Day. Over 600 attendees participated, including creatives and entertainers from across the country.
How does El Teteo impact the Latine community?
El Teteo provides a safe, inclusive space for Latine individuals—especially those of Caribbean descent—to connect, network, and celebrate their roots. It also helps combat cultural isolation, fosters representation, and encourages mental and emotional well-being through shared joy.
What makes El Teteo different from other cultural events?
Unlike traditional cultural festivals, El Teteo is grassroots, authentic, and community-driven. It doesn’t rely on corporate backing or mainstream validation — it thrives by centering Dominican identity, highlighting Afro-Latinx joy, and fostering real connections.
Conclusion
El Teteo is more than just a party — it’s a cultural movement rooted in joy, identity, and collective power. What began as a response to homesickness and underrepresentation has evolved into a vibrant platform that unites Latines, uplifts Afro-Caribbean voices, and reclaims space in cities where our presence is often overlooked.