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.
Explore Latinx Community in Portland
Latinx culture is alive and well in Portland. These markets, arts, attractions and restaurants display the best of the local Latinx community.
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 in place — including a neighborhood grocery, juice bar, and food cart pod — the Mercado has also become one of the city’s most delicious destinations.
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 the 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
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
- Cubo – Cuban
- El Nutri Taco – Mexican
- La Bonita – Mexican
- Nuestra Cocina – Mexican
- Pambiche – Cuban
- Teote – Latin American
- Verde Cocina – 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). Other dance and entertainment events include the annual ValenTango Festival (which returns every February).
Northwest Portland’s Santa Fe Taquería is a restaurant and cantina that serves traditional recipes and hosts salsa dancing every Thursday night.
With drop-in beginning tango lessons on Saturdays and Tango Practica on Wednesdays, Foster-Powell’s Tango Berretin invites dancers and dance enthusiasts to learn this Argentinian dance style.
Latinx Events in Portland
Join Portland's Latinx community at these events throughout town.
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.