It’s been pouring for days here in New York City, but water isn’t the only thing flooding the streets. Words, sounds, beats and rhythms, in English, Spanish and variations between have been saturating the Latino scene thanks to the presence of Poetas en Nueva York : el Segundo Encuentro de Nueva Poesia. The four day poetry and spoken word series brings not just local Latino poets together; a group of spoken word spitters and poetas direct from la isla del encanto, Puerto Rico, are taking part as well. The series, sponsored by a variety of Latino and literary institutions and organizations, includes performances, exhibitions, and lectures at various lugares throughout New York City.

I had the pleasure of attending and participating in the first event in the series on Wednesday, La Tertulia de Fusion Atómica. D’Antigua, a bar/restaurant in Jackson Heights, was packed. Poetas weren’t going to let a little bit of rain ruin their night. It wasn’t about traditional iambic pentameter either. All the poets that performed mixed politics with pride and sometimes even threw in a Reggaeton beat.

As the rain promises to continue to fall through the weekend, show your love and open your mind to some incredible talent and their ideas from New York and Puerto Rico.
Saturday, October 15
2 pm-Intervención Urbana
Jackson Heights, Queens
37th Ave 75-90 Street

7 pm- Nueva Poesia en St. Marks Church
Exhibición de pintura y caricatura
St. Marks Church
2nd Ave and 9th Street

Sunday, October 16
11 am- Poetas en la Misa
St. Marks Church

12 noon- Lunch and Lecture
St. Marks Church

6pm – Poetry Celebration
Lava Gina
Ave C and 7th Street