Monica Camapana in Atlanta

... is the diversity of people and histories that exist in this city. As an Peruvian immigrant in this country, I made a home in Atlanta and I must say that finding a thriving a Latinx community here is what makes my heart beat.

Especially when it comes down to food and music, I will say that Atlanta has two of the most special humans in the US: Chef Maricela Vega, who is creating a space for young innovative Mexican chefs in the South with her pop up restaurant Chicomecoatl...

... and as the Executive Chef of of the coolest restaurant in Atlanta, 8ARM. Maricela brings a contemporary take on Mesoamerican food, extremely vegetarian friendly and community driven.

The other treasure of Atlanta is La Choloteca, Ley de Latinx, the only party I know in the South that creates an intentional, inclusive and safe space for the Latinx community. The mission of La Choloteca is to mix the sounds like old school salsa and cumbias...

...with rock en español and new Latinx club music. La Choloteca brings visibility to the young Latinx immigrants living in Atlanta and creates a space for them to be able to express themselves freely and safely while enjoying themselves to traditional sounds that reminds them...

... of home. La Choloteca is a statement to the diversity that exists In the South. So if you have never been to Atlanta and you want to get to see a side not many know,

I highly recommend checking out Maricela Vega's food for dinner and then going to La Choloteca to enjoy a night of dancing and after that you will be able to say you experience the South, the Latinx way! "