El Teteo: How One Woman Built a Vibrant Latine Community in LA

The energy is shifting in Los Angeles. What began as a homesickness for the vibrant party scene of New York City has blossomed into something much larger: El Teteo, a series of gatherings celebrating Latine culture and fostering a sense of community that founder Sasha Merci Medina felt was missing on the West Coast. More than just a party, El Teteo is quickly becoming a cultural touchstone, particularly for Dominican Americans and Afro-Latine creatives in the entertainment industry.

From NYC Longing to LA Movement

Sasha Merci Medina launched the first El Teteo party in February 2022, driven by a desire to recreate the feeling of connection she experienced in New York. “I have a deep yearning for uniting people,” Medina explained in a Popsugar interview. “I believe that one of my purposes in this life is to bring people together in a way that transcends status, class, and occupation.” The initial event, a celebration of Dominican Independence Day, drew 600 attendees, some traveling from as far as New York, and was co-hosted with realtor Angela Carrasco and actress Katherine Castro.

The concept of “Teteo” itself is rooted in Dominican slang, meaning simply “to party” or “to gather.” Medina envisioned a space where community could thrive with little more than good music, good company, and a few beers – a reflection of the spontaneous gatherings she remembered from home. But El Teteo quickly evolved into something more intentional, a deliberate effort to fill a void in the Los Angeles entertainment landscape.

Addressing Representation and Building Bridges

Medina’s motivation wasn’t solely about recreating a New York vibe. She noticed a distinct lack of representation for Dominicans and other Caribbean Latines in Los Angeles. “Moving to LA made me acutely aware of the lack of representation of Dominicans and Caribbean Latines. It was a culture shock,” she told Popsugar. She found that people were often surprised when she spoke Spanish, highlighting a broader unfamiliarity with Dominican culture within the city.

This realization fueled her desire to create a space where Dominican identity could be celebrated and showcased. El Teteo parties feature Dominican music, artists, and cultural elements like hookah, offering a vibrant and authentic experience. The gatherings have turn into a magnet for Latine creatives working in television and film, providing a crucial networking opportunity and a sense of belonging. Attendees at El Teteo events have included cast and crew from shows like “Insecure,” “On My Block,” “Gentefied,” “Station 19,” and “How I Met Your Father.”

Beyond the Party: A Space for Afro-Latine Voices

The impact of El Teteo extends beyond simply providing a fun night out. Medina is acutely aware of the challenges faced by Afro-Latine performers in Hollywood, where there’s often an expectation that Latinas will fit a specific mold – typically lighter-skinned with straight, dark hair. “Afro-Latina Caribbeans are still considered ‘other’ or ‘not Latina enough’ in Hollywood,” Medina explained. El Teteo actively challenges these narrow perceptions by centering Afro-Latine culture and providing a platform for diverse voices.

This focus on inclusivity is particularly significant given the broader cultural contributions of the Dominican Republic. From the global popularity of dembow music to the influence of figures like Porfirio Rubirosa and the international reach of bachata, Dominican culture has had a profound impact on the world. Yet, Medina points out, this influence is often overlooked in mainstream conversations about Latine culture. She notes that large concerts featuring artists like Juan Luis Guerra and Romeo Santos demonstrate a clear demand for Caribbean Latine representation, raising the question of why this demand isn’t reflected in broader industry investment.

Expanding the Ecosystem and Giving Back

Medina envisions El Teteo as more than just a series of parties; she sees it as a movement that’s inspiring a new Caribbean ecosystem in Los Angeles. “It puts Caribbean and Afro-Latino culture at the forefront without relying on executives and investors who aren’t interested in us,” she says. Her goal is to create a space where the presence and culture of the community are acknowledged and celebrated, driven by the community itself.

Looking ahead, Medina plans to bring El Teteo to New York City this summer and ultimately expand it into a global event. She also intends to use the platform to give back to the Dominican community through a partnership with the Dream Project, an organization that supports educational opportunities for Dominican youth. This commitment to social impact underscores Medina’s broader vision for El Teteo: to create a space that not only brings joy but also empowers and uplifts the community.

As Medina herself puts it, inspired by her father’s wisdom, “You never know when God will call you, so enjoy the life you have today.” El Teteo, born from a longing for connection and a desire for representation, is a testament to the power of community and the enduring spirit of Dominican culture.

Next Steps: A Global Vision

Medina is actively planning the expansion of El Teteo beyond Los Angeles, with New York City as the next target. The long-term goal is to establish El Teteo as a global event, showcasing Latine culture on an international stage. The partnership with the Dream Project signals a commitment to ongoing philanthropic efforts, further solidifying El Teteo’s role as a force for positive change within the Dominican community.