Living in New York City: a melting pot of cultures
New York City is the most exciting city in the world. This is true for many reasons, one of which is the diversity that can be found here. New York is home to all kinds of people, from the rich and famous to prominent businessmen, students, and recent immigrants. People who live in New York now come from every continent in the world. With more than 8.2 million residents in an area of 322 square miles, New York City is the most densely populated major city in the United States. 36 percent of the people who live in the city are foreign-born and the City Council has translators for 150 different languages.
New York City has been known as a melting pot since the early 1900s, and as it has continued to this day, the city has been enriched with different cultures. Walking through the streets of the city can be like walking through the halls of a cultural museum. In fact, it could even be better since you are actually part of the diversity and culture. If you’re looking to experience a culture different from your own, you probably won’t have to walk more than a few blocks outside your door.
You can easily experience many aspects of different cultures by going to the different ethnic neighborhoods that exist throughout the city. For example, if you could never afford that trip to China you always dreamed of, when you live in New York City you can hop on a subway to Canal Street and be in Chinatown for just a few dollars. Of course, it’s not the same as being in China, but you can experience some of the culture and maybe enjoy authentic Chinese food for dinner. The same goes for other ethnic neighborhoods like Little Italy and Spanish Harlem.
There are also many annual cultural events in the city that can be found throughout the year. In September, there is the San Gennaro festival in Little Italy. This festival is usually in the last two weeks of September and is characterized by parades, street vendors, and lots of food at local Italian restaurants. In February, there is a Chinese New Year celebration in Chinatown. This celebration lasts for ten days and includes parades with the dragon and authentic Chinese costumes. In March, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade is held down Fifth Avenue, and in June, Fifth Avenue is reserved for the Puerto Rican Day Parade. Whatever culture you’re looking to experience, you can find an event for it somewhere in the city.
If the idea of traveling to different ethnic neighborhoods and attending cultural events seems a bit overwhelming, you can always experience the culture of New York City by people-watching from your own neighborhood. It’s always fun to spend a nice day sitting in a park or outdoor restaurant and people-watch. New York is so diverse that you will surely see the culture right in front of you.
Whether you’re excited to visit all of the city’s ethnic neighborhoods or just want to experience diversity as you walk the streets, New York City is the place for you. All the culture and diversity that anyone could wish for can be found in New York City.