What began as a homesick longing for the vibrant community of New York City has blossomed into a global movement celebrating Dominican culture. In 2022, actor and comedian Sasha Merci Medinas launched El Teteo Party in Los Angeles, aiming to recreate the sense of unity and joy she missed from her home in NYC.

“I was feeling homesick and needed to feel connected to my roots and my community,” Medinas explains. El Teteo, a Dominican slang term for partying and gathering, embodies the spirit of finding joy in shared moments, regardless of location or circumstance. For medinas, it’s about “gathering with the people you love and care for, no matter where you are.”

Bridging Cultures in Los Angeles

Medinas,a proud Dominican American,noticed a lack of representation of Dominicans and Caribbean Latines in Los Angeles. “Moving to LA made me acutely aware of the lack of representation of Dominicans and Caribbean Latines,” she recalls. This inspired her to bring the east Coast vibe to the West Coast, fostering community and raising awareness about Latine Caribbean culture through El Teteo.

“The pain of Hollywood has been constantly trying to fit into a mold that asks you to erase parts of yourself, only to be rejected. Despite this pain and uncertainty, one thing they can’t take away from me is joy.”

The frist El Teteo party, held on February 26, 2022, celebrated Dominican Independence Day and drew 600 attendees, some traveling from New York. Partnering with Angela Carrasco, a Dominican American realtor, and Katherine Castro, a Dominican American actress and host, the event became a hub for Latine creatives in media and entertainment.

A Cultural Hub and a Challenge to Hollywood

El Teteo parties have become more than just social gatherings; they are networking opportunities and community-building spaces for Latine creatives. Medinas notes that Hollywood often overlooks the diversity within the Latine community, expecting Latinas to fit a specific mold. “afro-Latina Caribbeans are still considered ‘other’ or ‘not Latina enough’ in Hollywood,” she says. El Teteo challenges this narrative by showcasing Dominican music, artists, and cultural elements, fostering representation in Los Angeles.

Attendees at the first Teteo included Latines from popular TV shows like “Insecure,” “On My Block,” “Gentefied,” “Station 19 “and “How I Met Your Father.” medinas aimed to bridge the gap within the Latine diaspora, creating a space where Caribbean actors, directors, producers, and screenwriters could find community and representation.

Global Expansion and giving Back

Inspired by the success in Los Angeles,Medinas plans to bring El Teteo to NYC and expand it globally,elevating Latine culture and putting Dominicans on the map worldwide.This expansion includes a partnership with the Dream Project to support educational opportunities for Dominican youth.

Medinas emphasizes the importance of sharing Dominican culture with the world, celebrating its unique way of life. “My hope is to bring this joy worldwide through my culture, to elevate and celebrate the community, and to create the representation we’re not seeing,” she says.El Teteo is more than just a party; it’s a movement that celebrates Dominican heritage and fosters community, creating a space where everyone feels united and understood.