The Good Friend – El Buen Amigo: SANTIAGO MASFERRER

I met Santiago many years ago. I was living in Tonawanda at the time, but I believe I learned of his organization and had the pleasure of meeting him during Buffalo’s Elmwood Arts Festival.

So if you’ve been lucky and been to the place, you already know it is much more than just an organization. It is a place to shop for Latin Arts and Culture.  AND YOU STILL CAN SHOP – while supporting this nonprofit organization (Latin American Cultural Association), involved in education and culture in the Buffalo community while supporting Latino artists from other countries.

 I remember the first time I visited El Buen Amigo. I felt “The Good Friend Energy” as soon as I stepped in the doorway. It was like I had teleported to a time when I could still be with my Abuelo y abuela.

 The place was arranged by regional area at the time. So you might have a section where traditional Mexican items occupy a space. You will also see an area where you can purchase Brazilian or other areas with items unique to the culture! 

 You could get a sense of the similarities of items based on the area it was acquired from. And you can see where some areas of Central and South America and The Caribbean have influence in other areas of the world!

 Santiago has operated and managed El Buen Amigo for over 30 plus years. Prior to El Buen Amigo, Santiago was a member of PODER and PRCC, and he worked as a Correctional Officer at Attica where he went out of his way to be of help to the inmates, especially introducing them to their culture and education.