Radio Catskill delves into the rich and often overlooked history of Latino communities in the Catskills. Lehman College professor Bret Maney and Manhattan College professor Cristina Pérez Jiménez explore how Spanish and Latin American settlers established vibrant recreational cultures with resorts and hotels beginning in the late 19th century.
Discover the cultural connections between the Latino Catskills, including the historic Las Villas in Plattekill, NY, and the Jewish Borscht Belt, where music, food, and community gatherings created a shared sense of identity.
In conversation with Patricio Robayo, Maney and Pérez Jiménez discuss the profound impact and unique contributions of Latino artists, writers, and diverse nationalities to the region, challenging conventional narratives of Latino experiences in America.
Their project is being developed with the generous support of the 2022 US Latino Digital Humanities (USLDH) Grants-in-Aid program, funded by the Mellon Foundation, as well as the 2024-25 inaugural Rooted and Relational fellowship from the Center for Puerto Rican Studies at CUNY’s Hunter College.
Image: Historic Marker for Las Villas in Plattekill, NY, an effort spearheaded by Ismael ‘Ish’ Martinez in conjunction with the Plattekill Historical Preservation Society
For further reading about this exciting history, Maney and Pérez Jiménez recommend Ishmael “Ish” Martinez Jr.’s Las Villas of Plattekill and Ulster County.
I very much enjoyed listening to this broadcast of Latino Roots in the Catskills. Your guests, Bret Maney and Cristina Perez Jimenez are well informed and have a great understanding and knowledge of the impact of Latinos in New York and of the Catskills in particular. I had the pleasure of meeting them both last year when they had attended one of my presentations on my book, “Las Villas of Plattekill and Ulster County.” They were kind enough to mention my book during your interview with them, and even the Facebook page, Las Villas of Plattekill, which was created by my sister, Carla Martinez Ramos. I hope to collaborate with Bret and Cristina in the future, regarding projects that might include Las Villas. My desire is that their unique story can be made known to as many people as possible. My main motivation is to prevent this extraordinary history from being forgotten and your broadcast has helped in that effort. Sincere thanks, Ismael “Ish” Martinez Jr.
Interesting. I look forward to more on this very important project as it develops! Excellent interview Patricio! Jimmy Castro, Back To Las Villas Documentary