Celebrating Latin America: National Cuban Culture Festival

The National Cuban Culture Festival is a yearly event that celebrates the culture and heritage of Cuba. It is held in Havana, Cuba, and features a variety of cultural events, including music, dance, art, and food. The festival is a great way to learn about the rich history and culture of Cuba, as well as to enjoy the many different aspects of Cuban life. As a Latino grocery store, we are proud of our heritage and culture. Our goal at Gala Foods is to provide fresh produce, fresh herbs, whole foods, and other products that represent the vibrant cultures of Latin America. 

What is the National Cuban Culture Festival and what is its history?

The National Cuban Culture Festival is a yearly event that celebrates the culture and heritage of Cuba. It is held in Havana, Cuba, and features a variety of cultural events, including music, dance, art, and food. The festival is a great way to learn about the rich history and culture of Cuba, as well as to enjoy the many different aspects of Cuban life. 

The National Cuban Culture Festival was established in 1974 by the Cuban government in order to promote Cuban culture and heritage. The first festival was held in Havana and featured a variety of cultural events, including music, dance, art, and food. The festival has since become a yearly event, with the aim of promoting Cuban culture to both locals and tourists alike.

How do people celebrate Cuban culture at the festival?

Quality meat is an important part of Cuban cuisine, and the festival offers a great opportunity to try some traditional dishes. One popular dish is Cuban-style shredded beef, which is made with fresh beef, onions, garlic, cumin, chili powder, and lime juice. Many add hot sauces or other spices to taste. 

Cuban Style Shredded Beef

Check out this recipe for Cuban-style shredded beef:

Servings: 6

Ingredients:

  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 2 lbs beef flank steak
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 (8 oz) can of tomato sauce
  • 1 small onion, sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, seeded and sliced into strips
  • 2 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 1 (6 oz) can of tomato paste
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp white vinegar
  • Chopped cilantro, white rice, fried sweet plantain, or black beans (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the flank steak on each side, about 4 mins per side.
  2. Transfer beef to a slow cooker. Pour in the beef broth and tomato sauce, then add the onion, bell pepper, garlic, tomato paste, cumin, cilantro, olive oil, and vinegar. Stir until well blended. 
  3. Cover, and cook on high for 4 hours, or on low for up to 10 hours.
  4. When ready to serve, shred the meat and serve it with white rice, plantains, or black beans.

How to find international products at affordable prices

Neighborhood grocery stores lack the variety of Latin American products that can be found at Gala Foods. At Gala Foods, you’ll find a wide selection of fresh masa, produce, herbs, spices, and other ingredients that are essential for cooking authentic Latin American cuisine. Mexican grocery store prices can be expensive, but Gala Foods offers competitive prices on all of its products. From salsa verde to Oaxaca cheese and Mexican crema we have what you need to make your favorite dishes.

The hidden gem of South America

If you’re looking for an authentic Latin American experience, look no further than Gala Foods. Located in the heart of New York City, Gala Foods is a Latin grocery store that offers a wide variety of international products at affordable prices. Our years of experience have allowed us to build relationships with the best suppliers, so we can offer our customers the freshest and highest quality products available.

Gala Foods: Latin grocery stores in New York

Looking for fresh fish?  We have a wide variety of fresh seafood that is delivered daily. Need queso fresco? We have that too! In fact, we also carry a wide selection of Latin American products that are hard to find in other stores. So whether you’re looking for authentic Mexican ingredients or Cuban spices, we have what you need to make your favorite dishes. Come and visit us today at any of our stores!

Freeport

  • 120 North Main Street, Freeport, NY 11520 
  • 111 West Merrick Road, Freeport, NY 11520 

Bridgeport

  • 1457 Fairfield Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06605 
  • 1050 E. Main Street, Bridgeport, CT 06608  

Brentwood

  • 1925 Brentwood Road, Brentwood, NY 11717 
  • 725 Commack Road, Brentwood, NY 11717  

Bayshore

  • 1819 Fifth Avenue, Bayshore, NY 11706

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