Little Spain: The Spanish Community on West 14th Street
A history and slideshow with Robert Sanfiz

Compared to other European groups, the Village’s immigrant community from Spain is rather small in numbers. The enclave known as “Little Spain,” on 14th Street between 7th and 8th Avenues, was once home to over 50 Spanish-owned businesses and social clubs. The Spanish Benevolent Society – La Nacional, founded in 1868, was always at the heart of the neighborhood, serving as an essential support system for Spaniards and acting as their home away from home in New York. It has served as a meeting ground for political dissidents and revolutionaries, and avant-garde poets and artists. It is even said that Salvador Dali stopped in for a taste of home.

Today the Society remains committed to the historical preservation of both the Spanish and local community, and still offers a variety of events, classes, a top-rated restaurant and meeting place for the entire community.

Robert Sanfiz is Executive Director of the Spanish Benevolent Society – La Nacional.