AUGUST 13, 2025 — This September, the Latin Food Fest NYC will introduce Raíces Radiantes, a flag created to represent cultural connections among more than 20 Latin American and Caribbean nations, according to a press release by the festival organizers.
Developed in 2024 by the Bronx‑based MASC Hospitality Group, the flag is described by its creators as intended to stand “above and beside” national flags, serving as a cultural rather than political symbol.
The term Raíces Radiantes translates to “Radiant Roots,” referring to a sense of shared heritage across the region. Organizers say the concept emphasizes values such as food, music, resilience, and storytelling, while allowing individual national identities to remain distinct.
The flag will be publicly displayed for the first time during the festival on September 13 to 14. The unveiling will include a flag‑raising, as well as its integration into signage, installations, and merchandise throughout the event site.
On Instagram, festival founder Marco Shalma wrote: “When we created Bandera de LATAM — a single flag uniting all of Latin America — it felt like lightning in a bottle. The concept was bold, simple, and instantly resonant… It wasn’t just a visual, it was a statement, a celebration, and a symbol people could rally around.”
