Hispanic & Latinx culture
Explore Portland's Hispanic and Latinx culture with these attractions and entertainment.
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.
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.
Latinx culture is alive and well in Portland. These markets, arts, attractions and restaurants display the best of the local Hispanic community.
Attractions
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 19 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 with numerous Mexican groceries and taquerías, as well as galleries, boutiques and restaurants.
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 Northeast 20th Avenue and Alberta Street, where attractive paintings grace the interior and exterior of the grocery store and the two taquerías. 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 and other events. Among their yearly seasonal offerings are the Día de los Muertos festival and Posada Milagro.
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.
Washington County Museum
The Washington County Museum, 20 minutes west of downtown, features occasional exhibits on Hispanic culture and history. The Bracero exhibit explores the first recorded influx of Mexican and Latino immigrants into Washington County through the Bracero program, the achievements of Mexicans and Americans working together, and the major role of agriculture in the county’s economy today. Closed Sundays and major holidays.
Cuisine
Portland’s many food carts and taquerías offer plentiful casual opportunities to sample Latin foods, but also not to be missed are the city’s innovative and acclaimed fine Latin restaurants.
Here is a sampling of Portland’s many wonderful Latin-influenced restaurants:
- Andina – Peruvian
- La Calaca Comelona – Mexican
- Nuestra Cocina – Mexican
- Pambiche – Cuban
- Toro Bravo – Spanish
- Verde Cocina – Mexican
- Mi Mero Mole – Mexican
- La Bonita – Mexican
Dance and Entertainment
Portland has a lively Flamenco scene. Visit Portland Flamenco Events for listings of local events. Other dance and entertainment venues include:
Aztec Willies
Aztec Willies is a restaurant and bar hosts salsa dancing every Saturday, as well as other culture-specific evenings such as Colombian Night, Brazilian Night and One Night in Cuba.
Santa Fe Taquería
Northwest Portland’s Santa Fe Taquería is a taquería and cantina that hosts salsa dancing every Thursday night.