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ONLY BE NEW YORKER

Only-Be New Yorker

Harlem Week

What began in 1974 as a one day tribute to Harlem has now become one of New York City’s most popular showcase events. With a tradition that has evolved over 40 years, this one day event has become a month long celebration. First starting out as a tribute to the rich historical communities of Harlem, Harlem Week has become a most famous event! You´ll find locals, patriots from various states and travelers alike populating each and crevice to catch every moment there is to showcase. This year, Harlem week will consist of a college fair, children festival, a fashion show for the fabulous fanatics, a tennis clinic, the “Dancing in the Street” party and of course, the Motown musical festival! Not to mention they have a wide array of concerts including Latin, Jazz, Blues, R&B and many more! There is so much to do and experience in NYC this year! With Harlem Week providing a grand experience, you´ll want to be sure to see a thing or two. Here I´ll give you a small slice of what´s to come for this year’s most popular historical event: We´ll kickstart with the 26th of July:  A Great Day in Harlem For the very first day of the Harlem Week, you´ll find the following: International Cultural Showcase: 1-3pm International Gospel Showcase: 3-4pm Fashion Fusion Showcase 5-6pm “A concert under the stars” 6-8:30pm All will be in the US Grant National Memorial Park; free of charge.   4th August: Elders Jubilee Senior citizens community will be able to enjoy a farmers market, senior expo and also attend the Elders Jubilee Awards Luncheon. 9:30-3pm;...

Bryant Park: Movies in the Park

There´s something quite magical about watching a movie in the park, with the stunning backdrop as your skyline. Imagine the gorgeous night view of New York City, as the golden lights brighten up the night life. The surrealism will take your breath away. Just for a moment. Underneath the stars, with the moonlight casting its haze upon the crowds below. Whether it be with your loved one, a group of friends, family or even going alone and meeting a group of cinephiles with interests just like yours. To just relax and watch an open show movie in the fresh air, after a long hard day at work. Imagine a more relaxing atmosphere in the midst of a vibrant city. We all know how dreadful Mondays can be. So give something different a try this summer and head over to Bryant Park. Live and relax like a local this year. Movie screenings in the Park is an annual summer tradition in New York. With the HBO Movies in the Park having its 24th birthday this year. The first of its kind in the city. Today you´ll find thousands of individuals at the event, from locals to travelers alike. All sharing opinions, laughing together and building new friendships in the moment. A perfect summers day can be found right here. So what have you got to lose? Head down to experience the summer like a true local! The film festival, presented by the Bank of America starts from early June until just before Labor Day each year. Gates open at 5pm, but screenings are not until dusk (8-9pm). Make sure you...

NYC Summer Plans

There´s just something about summer that makes you want to up the stakes each year. To make this year better than the last; do something worth remembering. Then to repeat this process every year. And why not, summer does come only once a year after all. So make the most of it! The destination I fell for this year is our very own New York City. From beautiful beaches to the best bars and concerts. Live music, fashion, drama, to tastetastic culinary explosions. New York City has it all! What better way to spend summer, than to check out a few of the top notch local scenes this year. If you´re in NYC this year, I suggest you go full throttle and experience the fun a truly American summer can dish out!       For the slower starters in the day, go to see Shakespeare in the Park. As an NYC tradition, this event takes place each summer. The city even has their own theatre troupe! This year includes ´The Tempest´ and the ´Cymbeline´. Delacorte Theatre, Central Park; may 27th – Aug 23rd, free entry.  Love the pearls and the glory of the Gatsby era? Look no further! Bask in the Grand Affair, as you are cast away with an event full of DJs, Charleston contests, to delectable cocktails and music from Michael Aranella and his Dreamland orchestra. Find yourself swept away with the glorious waves only Jazz can provide! Governers Island; Aug 15-16th  If musical elements is what you´re after,  New York has a wide array of selections in store. Visit the Afrofunk festival. A popular event...

NYC Independence Day

Just like every other year, there has been only one date in mind recently. If you are an American citizen or simply love the Americas as much as I, you´ll know just which date that is. That´s right, I’m talking about the 4th of July. Here I will give you a short brief on one of the US’ 4 National holidays and give you a little side information.  You may use this knowledge in know-it-all humor, but in goodwill of course. A little extra knowledge on their National Birthdate couldn’t hurt. The 4th of July is one of the most enthusiastically celebrated events in the States. When 13 colonies fought for revolution to declare independence and were given their right to freedom. The year was 1776 and for that first extra slice of pie, the vote was in fact given on the 2nd of July 1776. But it was only signed and printed on the 4th July. Hence, the birthdate as we know it. You would also believe Philadelphia’s most famous liberty bell was rung on this date I presume? Wrong again. It was not until 4 days later, to mark the proud liberty of freedom and to honor the very first public reading of the declaration. Even to start with, they knew how to make an entrance. The congressmen marked this date as one of only 4 National Federal holidays. Including New Years, Veterans Day and Christmas. And to mark the occasion, America goes all out! Here I´ll give you an idea of how New York City marks their spot on the map and why you should head...

Touring New York City’s Markets

If you want to do some shopping in New York without feeling like a tourist, take good note of these tips. Let’s go shop around the city’s markets!

St. Patrick’s Day in New York City

Every year since 1762, New York City is colored green on March 17 to celebrate one of its most crowded and fun parties: St. Patrick’s. Of Irish origin, this celebration honors the patron saint of Ireland and was first introduced into New York society by a group made up of emigrants and military who missed their beloved Emerald Isle. It gradually became increasingly popular among New Yorkers and is now one of the biggest media events in the city of New York. But where does this Irish tradition come from? Origins of Saint Patrick The legend of St. Patrick dates back to the fourth century AD and follow the steps of the young son of a Roman military man and deacon who was captured by Irish pirates and sold into slavery in Ireland. After 6 years of slavery, he escaped with his faith intact and returned to his native Britain and was ordained afterwards as a priest in France. At age 46 he returned to Ireland to evangelize the locals and stayed on the island until his death on March 17, 461. St. Patrick is credited with the symbolism of the three-leaf clover, which according to Irish tradition, represents the Holy Trinity: the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. And this is why the festival is green. Things to Do on St. Patrick’s Day in New York St. Patrick’s Day in New York is an event in the city and it features an extensive parade. Some two million people gather along Fifth Avenue during the nearly four hours of the walk, which is escorted by the Third US Infantry Regiment...

Concerts in New York City March 2015

This next month is full of concerts in New York City, where artists like Meghan Trainor and Ariana Grande and groups like Maroon 5 and Red Hot Chili Peppers will be taking to the stage. Simply seeing the bands perform live is impressive, and now imagine doing it in Manhattan. Pure craziness! If you’re interested, here’s the schedule for the month:

The Best Street Food in New York

Whatever you´re looking for, the cosmopolitan, open and enormous city of New York will offer you plenty to do. In this post we are not going to bore you with talk about what you can see in New York, since you already know that. Instead, let´s talk about one of the tourist attractions of the city: the food you can eat in the Big Apple without entering any restaurant — street food. Cronut This is the happy union of two pastries prized worldwide: the donut and the croissant. That’s right, and it’s a dream come true for many. The original cronut was created by Dominique Ansel in his New York bakery of the same name. It is located on 189 Spring Street in lower Manhattan. The invention is relatively recent, but since becoming really popular in May 2013, it has spread worldwide. It costs $5 and is a must if you’re going to New York. But be forewarned: you very well might have to take a place in line!   Hot dog The hot dog is a quintessential New York snack that you’ll end up eating even if you want to avoid it because it’s so ubiquitous. You’ll be given the sausage in a bun and you can then add any condiments you’d like. They’re sold from carts all over the city, which makes them a very convenient food on the go. And they’re cheap! Pretzel This twisted dough snack is of German origin but can easily be found all over the city. And typical of the New York, you can get them in just about flavor (with sugar,...

Lady Liberty and her less known replicas

Although she is French, she is the most famous American symbol in the world. This beautiful lady has welcomed millions of people at New York’s Harbor and has given hope to her admirers just with her presence. She was unacknowledged and almost given away by neglect, but most importantly she has been inspiration to millions. Yes we are talking about the famous statue of the liberty. Lady liberty is probably the single most universally recognized emblem of the United States anywhere in the world. Its presence dominates New York’s harbor landscape today, as well as, when millions of Europeans came by ship to the land of opportunities. Furthermore, the statue is a spiritual and artistic statement of the values of the United States and, of course, an engineering marvel; no one had even attempted to build a structure anywhere near that size ever before. Gustav Eiffel designed the lady’s frame, which was very strong and sophisticated; it had to support the extremely heavy cooper she is made of. If the frame got out of position, her cooper sheets would crumble under their own way, so there is no doubt of the challenging and innovative elements of this unique monument. vía Celso Flores It isn’t a coincidence that there are many replicas and imitations of Lady Liberty in the whole world, because it simply represents: freedom for all. Here are some the less known replicas: Paris To return the favor, American residents in Paris gave the French government a replica of the statue of Liberty to commemorate the French Revolution. It is located in the Seine River near the Grenelle Bridge...

Christmas in New York City

New York is one of the world´s most beautiful cities, nobody can’t deny it, but if you are planning to spend Christmas here, you are just about to witness its beauty at its very best. The Big Apple shows its most spectacular face with multicolored lights, stunning decorations and endless shopping options that never fails to delight locals and tourists from around the globe. During this season, happiness, harmony and love fill the atmosphere of the city. Millions of people love walking the streets of NYC, while enjoying the world-famous attractions that make New York at Christmas a spectacular show not to be missed. If there is something that attracts the attention of tourists in the city is its second to none night lighting. The Big Apple’s famous skyline increases exponentially its incomparable beauty at Christmas. It is definitively worth walking around, while enjoying the decorations of its countless shops, especially the ones on the famous Fifth Avenue. Recognized stores like Bloomingdale´s, Cartier and Tiffany & Co, adorn their windows with Christmas decorations that catch the attention of passersby each year. Rockefeller Center The Christmas tree lighting at Rockefeller Center, is one of the key moments of the season, this event has become the symbol of the beginning of Christmas in New York. Each year, a huge fir is placed in the center and it is decorated with millions of lights, while the mayor of the city officially opens the Christmas season. The famous Christmas tree is lit every night until the first week of January. Another attraction is the famous Rockefeller Center Ice Rink, which is the favorite...