Cafetón, a vibrant initiative combining coffee, reggaetón music, and support for LA’s immigrant community, is steadily gaining momentum and building connections across cultures.
The concept of Cafetón, born in Chicago, has arrived in Los Angeles through a partnership between V5 Group and local DJ Aristeo Ramirez.
This collective aimed to create a comforting space for Latinos to gather, enjoy cultural festivities, and promote overall wellness.
Lia Monroy, the social media director for the entertainment group, shared, “We wanted a space where Latinos can enjoy culture and music, but also feel good, physically and emotionally.”
“We host a lot of Latin events, and we’re always looking for new ways for Latinos to gather in community,” Monroy added.
What started as a community-driven idea in Chicago has blossomed into a cross-coastal movement, combining the rhythmic beats of reggaetón with a commitment to social causes.
Cafetón, a blending of “café” and “reggaetón,” emerged to offer a wellness-focused setting where Latino communities can connect while making a meaningful impact.
“Right now, health and wellness are really popular topics, and we thought: what if we created a space that wasn’t centered around clubbing, but still gave people the energy and culture we love? What better way than through reggaetón — and coffee?” Monroy explained.
The inaugural Cafetón event in Chicago attracted an astonishing 7,000 attendees at Recess, signaling a strong foundation for future gatherings.
In response to the warm reception, organizers decided to bring the event to Los Angeles, where it has already garnered substantial interest.
The last two Cafetón events in LA have successfully raised over $4,400 for immigrant aid and community resources.
The most recent gathering took place on July 14 at SALA Coffee and Wine in Long Beach, where more than 1,000 attendees turned out to enjoy the festivities.
Admission was set at a minimum donation of $1, with all proceeds directed to CHIRLA, the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights.
Through the last two events, organizers have also contributed to funds assisting street vendors.
The July event saw remarkable enthusiasm, with lines extending around the block for over three hours.
“We’ve created a no-judgment zone,” Ramirez asserted.
“Everyone is welcome — and that’s reflected in the feedback we’ve received on TikTok and Instagram. It’s been nothing but love.”
Ramirez emphasized the urgency of this initiative, noting, “With everything that’s going on right now here in LA with immigration, we’re just trying to make a space for everyone to come and feel seen. Music in general is a beautiful artwork to express that.”
Brandy Raygoza, co-founder of SALA Coffee and Wine, has played an essential role in expanding Cafetón’s reach.
Raygoza, alongside her business partner Derrick Montiel, has generously hosted two Cafetón events at their café.
“The first turnout was amazing — we were able to help street vendors and those in need,” Raygoza remarked.
“We just want to hold a space where we can celebrate our ethnicity, gather during hard times, and offer people a safe and joyful space to connect.”
As demand for these events escalates, with over 1,000 people on a waitlist, organizers are actively seeking larger venues in LA to accommodate growing interest while maintaining their mission.
They are also collaborating with partners like Live Nation to launch ticket giveaways for artists, including Puerto Rican reggaetón artist Mora.
Additionally, they plan to continue supporting local immigrant aid groups through each gathering.
Beyond music and fundraising, Cafetón serves as a platform for small businesses, enabling local vendors to showcase their products outside the venue before the events.
Ultimately, Cafetón embodies a clear mission: “Our main goal is to create community and a safe space where people can come together, feel free, enjoy a coffee, dance to reggaetón, and still run their errands after,” Monroy concluded.
image source from：nbclosangeles
