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Portland Mercado, an innovative cultural hub in Southeast Portland, houses more than a dozen Latino-owned businesses.

Hispanic & Latinx Culture

Explore Portland's Hispanic and Latinx culture with these attractions and entertainment.

Updated Aug. 20, 2021 3 min read

This section was produced in collaboration with El Hispanic News, a monthly bilingual newspaper that is the oldest Hispanic publication in the Pacific Northwest and a leading source of information for the Hispanic community.

Latinx culture is alive and well in Portland. These markets, arts, attractions and restaurants display the best of the local Latinx community.

Latinx Attractions in Portland

Portland Mercado

Painted in vibrant shades of pink, yellow and turquoise, the Portland Mercado shines brightly as an innovative cultural hub for Portland. Opened in April 2015, the complex provides affordable launch space for local Latino-owned businesses. With more than a dozen enterprises — including a neighborhood grocery, meat market, coffee shop and food cart pod — in place, the Mercado has also become one of the city’s most delicious destinations.

Alberta Arts District

The Alberta Arts District is a multicultural neighborhood filled with plenty of taquerías and Hispanic-food restaurants that can satiate visitors looking to indulge a taco craving:La Bonita is a casual, family-owned taquería that cooks up burritos and platers in a vibrant space. El Nutri Taco serves extra-large burritos and offers a wide range of vegan options. Teote Mezcaleria is known for its arepas alongside smooth tequilas and smoky mezcals.

This area also includes many galleries and boutiques. The Last Thursday art walk turns the street into a spirited open-air party on the last Thursday evening of each month. You’ll find good examples of muralists’ art at along Alberta Street, where attractive paintings grace the interiors and exteriors of a wide variety of businesses. The Diego Rivera-inspired mural of a reclining woman in La Bonita Taquería is especially beautiful.

The Grotto, The National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother

A peaceful oasis in the midst of the city, The Grotto is set among 62 acres of botanical gardens. As an internationally renowned Catholic sanctuary, The Grotto offers a place of quiet reflection for all people. More than 100 beautiful statues and shrines are nestled among flower-lined pathways winding under towering firs. Gardens and gift shop are open daily; group tours and daily Mass are also offered.

Miracle Theatre Group

The Miracle Theatre Group, which deservedly dubs itself “the Northwest’s premier Latino arts and culture organization,” is the heart of Oregon’s Hispanic arts scene. In addition to offering Spanish, English and bilingual plays, festivals and musical performances, Miracle also features a community space for art exhibits, seasonal festivals and other events.

Portland Art Museum

The permanent collections at the Portland Art Museum include pre-Columbian art from Meso and South America, modern Mexican drawings and Latin American art.

Latinx Cuisine in Portland

The Alberta Arts District isn’t the only place to get great Latinx cuisine. Portland’s many food carts and taquerías offer plentiful casual opportunities to sample Latin foods, but visitors won’t want to miss the city’s innovative and acclaimed fine Latin restaurants. Here’s a sampling of Portland’s many wonderful Latinx-influenced restaurants:

• Andina – Peruvian
• La Calaca Comelona – Mexican
• Nuestra Cocina – Mexican
• Pambiche – Cuban
• Verde Cocina – Mexican
• La Bonita – Mexican

Latinx Dance & Entertainment in Portland

Portland has a lively Flamenco scene (visit Experience Flamenco’s list of classes to find the right one for you). Another dance and entertainment venues include the annual ValenTango festival (which returns every February). Additionally, Northwest Portland‘s Santa Fe Taquería is a restaurant and cantina that serves traditional recipes and hosts salsa dancing every Thursday night.

Latinx Events in Portland

Join Portland's Latinx community at these events throughout town.

Go To Latinx Portland

Tango in Portland

The City of Roses boasts one of the best tango communities outside of Buenos Aires, with dances and lessons available almost every night.

Portland’s Cinco de Mayo Fiesta

Shop for handmade crafts, snack on traditional recipes and enjoy entertainment straight from Guadalajara at this popular Cinco de Mayo festival.

Hispanic & Latinx Events

Enjoy Portland's Hispanic and Latinx culture year-round.