It’s a little past 5 p.m. on Sunday, and the rain continues to pour down. Regardless of the gray spring weather and the multiple puddles that have accumulated through West Street, people march into 49 West Coffeehouse, where Jesse Raudales’ art reception is being hosted to commemorate Cinco de Mayo.
Attendees are directed to go to the back room of the small coffee shop, where the main event is taking place and where salsa music can be heard playing.
One of Celia Cruz’s hits comes on next and those sitting on chairs begin to tap their feet to the beat of the song as they mingle with others nearby.