Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month: Latino Roots in the Catskills: From Las Villas to Cultural Legacy

Radio Catskills delves into the rich and often overlooked history of Latino communities in the Catskills. Professor Brett Maney and Associate Professor Christina Perez Jimenez explore how Spanish and Latin American settlers established vibrant recreational cultures with resorts and hotels in the late 19th century.Discover the cultural connections between the Latino Catskills, known as Las Villas, and the Jewish Borscht Belt, where music, food, and community gatherings created a shared sense of identity.In conversation with Patricio Robayo, Maney and Jimenez discuss the profound impact and unique contributions of Latino artists, writers, and diverse nationalities to the region, challenging conventional narratives of Latino experiences in America.