Dancing Elotes Returns to EBNHC Farmers Market

One of the things that made the East Boston Neighborhood Health Center’s (EBNHC) Farmers Market unique was the weekly community events hosted there. From bike safety, to music, to cooking demonstrations the Farmers Market in Central Square was always a beehive of activity.

However, the COVID-19 pandemic has curtailed many of the special programs at the Farmers Market in order to keep crowd sizes low and optimize social distancing measures.

The VRCC’s Dancing Elotes experience will return to the East Boston Farmers Market Wednesday.

While some of the usual events may be sidelined, one staple of the Farmers Market will return this week.

Veronica Robles of the Veronica Robles Cultural Center (VRCC) said the ‘Dancing Elotes’ experience that is part of VRCC’s summer arts integrated program will return to the market.

“The Dancing Elotes experience is back this summer at the East Boston Farmers Market,” said Robles. “This year we are raising funds to continue supporting low income families who became unemployed due to the Pandemic. You can find our Elote Bike every Wednesday from 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm at Central Square Park between Meridian and Borders St.”

Last year the project will include a bike-cart selling elotes, traditionally prepared corn served on the streets in Mexico, as a literal and conceptual vehicle for cross-cultural culinary, and dance at the East Boston Farmers Market.

Last year shoppers at the Farmers Market were invited to help decorate a sculpture that was a symbol of peace and unity in the community.

With funding from several sources, including the Boston Resiliency Fund, Robles said she is again able to provide summer jobs for Eastie youth through the project. The youth are responsible for making, preparing and selling the corn at each Farmers Market.

The youth workers then ride the traditional elotes bike into the Farmers Market. The youth workers then dress the corn with special sauces and seasoning.

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