Combining coffee, culture and support for LA’s immigrant community, Cafetón is bringing people together to raise funds to help those affected by recent immigration raids.
The concept of Cafetón was first brewed in Chicago through the creative collaboration between V5 Group and local DJs like Aristeo Ramirez.
“We wanted a space where Latinos can enjoy culture and music, but also feel good, physically and emotionally,” said Lia Monroy, the social media director for the entertainment group.
“We host a lot of Latin events, and we’re always looking for new ways for Latinos to gather in community,” Monroy said.
What started as a local idea in Chicago has quickly grown into a bicoastal movement bringing people together through reggaetón.
Cafetón, a play on the words “café” and “reggaetón,” was born out of a desire to create a wellness-focused space where Latino communities could connect, all while spending consciously and with a purpose.
“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?” explained Monroy.
The first Cafetón drew massive crowds in Chicago, with over 7,000 people attending an event at Recess.
After seeing the momentum, organizers decided to bring the event to Los Angeles, where it has already seen a great turnout.
The past two Cafetón events in LA have raised more than $4,400 for immigrant aid and community resources.
The most recent Cafetón event took place on July 14 at SALA Coffee and Wine in Long Beach, where organizers welcomed over 1,000 attendees.
Admission was based on a minimum $1 donation, with all of the proceeds going directly to CHIRLA, the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights.
Within the last two events, the group has also donated to street vendor aid funds.
Sunday’s event drew a large crowd with lines wrapping around the block for over three hours.
“We’ve created a no-judgment zone,” said Aristeo Ramirez. “Everyone is welcome — and that’s reflected in the feedback we’ve received on TikTok and Instagram. It’s been nothing but love.”
Ramirez made sure to emphasize that LA needs this support now more than ever.
“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, he added.
Brandy Raygoza, the co-founder of SALA Coffee and Wine in Long Beach, has been a key partner in Cafetón’s expansion. She and her business partner, Derrick Montiel, have opened up their café as the venue for two Cafetón events so far.
“The first turnout was amazing — we were able to help street vendors and those in need,” Raygoza said. “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.”
The demand for these events is growing, with over 1,000 people on a waitlist, organizers are now scouting larger venues in LA to keep expanding while staying true to the event’s mission.
They’re also working with partners like Live Nation to launch ticket giveaways for artists like Mora, a Puerto Rican reggaetón artist, and plan to continue supporting local immigrant aid groups with each event.
In addition to music and fundraising, Cafetón also offers a platform for small businesses. Local vendors are invited to sell their goods outside the venue before doors open, giving them visibility and community support.
Ultimately, Cafetón’s message is clear. “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 said.