el teteo Party: A Celebration⁣ of Latine Culture and Community in Los Angeles

⁢ Updated May 28,‍ 2025

Driven by a desire to unite people and celebrate her⁢ Dominican heritage, Sasha Merci Medinas launched El⁢ Teteo party in Los Angeles in 2022. Missing ⁢the vibrant community and culture‍ of her native New York City, Medinas ​sought to⁤ create a space where people could​ connect, network, and⁣ feel ​represented.

El Teteo, a Dominican slang term‌ for partying and⁢ gathering, embodies the spirit‍ of community and joy. Medinas wanted to bring the East Coast vibe to the west Coast, raising awareness about Latine‍ Caribbean culture and⁤ fostering community. The parties quickly became ⁤a hub for Latine creatives, particularly ‍those in media and⁢ entertainment.

Medinas,a proud Dominican American,noticed a lack of⁣ representation of Dominicans ‌and Caribbean Latines in los Angeles. This inspired her to create an event that​ would showcase their rich heritage and ⁤provide ⁤a platform for their​ voices to be heard. The​ first el Teteo party, held on February 26, 2022, to celebrate Dominican Independence Day, drew 600 attendees, some traveling from New York.

The Latine‌ culture event addresses the challenges faced by Dominican Americans in Hollywood, where they are often ⁤overlooked or misrepresented. El Teteo provides ⁣a space where they can celebrate their identity‍ and connect with others who share similar experiences.

“El Teteo has carved its​ path by spreading joy and awareness ‍of our vibrant culture,created ⁤by us for all‍ to enjoy,” Medinas⁢ said.

attendees have included Latines in entertainment from TV shows such as “Insecure,” “On⁣ My Block,” and “Gentefied.” Medinas hopes to bridge the gap within the Latine diaspora and foster greater representation in Hollywood.

What’s next

Medinas plans to expand El Teteo to New York City and ‍eventually make it a​ global event. She‌ also aims to partner with the ‌Dream Project to support ‌educational opportunities for Dominican youth,giving back to the community that has inspired her.