Astoria, one of the many neighborhoods located within Queens county, is a great example of diversity in New York City. This neighborhood, with a population of 128, 811¹, is home to people of various different ethnic groups and nationalities. Although the neighborhood is well-known for its Greek population, it has now become an ethnic enclave for various other groups. This includes people from Mexico, Ecuador, Bangladesh, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Brazil, China, Korea and the Philippines.² This neighborhood has become so diverse over the years that 19+ languages are spoken there alone! ³

In order to get a real feel of Astoria and its people, just take a walk along its streets and you will be able to experience this wonderful mix of cultures and traditions. Enter a Greek gift shop and you will find candles hanging from the ceilings and walls. Walk just a few more steps and stumble upon a Souvlaki cart or a falafel cart. Enjoy the wonderful smells of an Italian or Greek bakery shop, and if you would like a little bit of Hispanic flavor just turn around or cross the street to a Hispanic restaurant.

If you would like a place to explore, then Astoria is the place to go! The people of Astoria are very kind and welcoming.

The slideshows below are visual representations of the diversity that exists within Astoria. The first slideshow is a compilation of photographs from the first Annual International Cultural Fest of Astoria. The second album is a compilation of photographs taken by the author during her visit to Astoria.

Astoria’s International Cultural Fest 2015

Astoria International Cultural Fest 2016 Schedule

Image courtesy of Central Astoria's website

Niall O'Leary School of Irish Dance

Image courtesy of Central Astoria's website

Image courtesy of Central Astoria's website

Image courtesy of Central Astoria's website

Issa Cabrera Songs of Brazil

Image courtesy of Central Astoria's website

Image courtesy of Central Astoria's website

Banatul Romanian Folklo

Image courtesy of Central Astoria's websitere

Ayazamana Ecuadorian Cultural Center

Image courtesy of Central Astoria's website

Calpulli Mexican Dance Company

Image courtesy of Central Astoria's website

Bangladesh Institute of Performing Arts

Image courtesy of Central Astoria's website

American Bolero Dance Company

Image courtesy of Central Astoria's website

Pontion Society Komninoi of New York- Youth

Image courtesy of Central Astoria's website

Japanese Folk Dancer

Image courtesy of Cristina Schreil

Image courtesy of Cristina Schreil

Image courtesy of Central Astoria's website

Japanese Folk Dance Institute of New York Inc.

Image courtesy of Central Astoria's website

Astoria At A Glance

Items displayed in a Greek store

A view of Astoria from the Ditmars Blvd train platform

Candles hanging from the ceiling of a Greek wedding store.

King of Falafel and Shawarma

Owner of Souvlaki Lady

Delicious baked goods on display at Lefkos Pyrgos, a Greek bakery.

Astoria

Variety of restaurants along Ditmars Blvd.

A Greek flag on display outside of a Greek jewelry store

People strolling along Ditmars Blvd

Author: Selena Bermeo