The 4th annual Latino Festival of Hightstown/East Windsor will be held from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, July 30, at the Rocky Brook Park in Hightstown.
This multicultural community celebration will showcase music and dance, art and crafts displays, children’s games, and food from popular area restaurants. The event is free and open to the public, and free parking is available.
“We are excited to be able to bring together such a wonderful group of Latino artists to share their traditions, creativity and passion with our community,” Dr. Carlos Fernandez, director for the Rutgers University Center for Latino Arts and Culture and member of the organizing committee.
The festival is set to bring together artists and ensembles from across New Jersey and the Tri-State Area. It will feature live folkloric and popular music and dance representing traditions from diverse newcomer and longstanding Latino communities in our region, including those originating in Bolivia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Mexico, Panama, Peru and Puerto Rico.
Featured artists this year include Cimarrones Bomba y Plena Ensemble, Costa Oaxaca-Freehold, singer Juan Astudillo, Grupo I4, Inti Andino, Marel Hidalgo, Peruvian Marinera Dance with Rosangel y Angel, Pasion Boliviana, Recordando a Mi Tierra, Ritmos y Danzas de Panama, Yachak Kallari, and Viva Ballroom Dance.
The event is organized by the Latino Festival Organizing Committee of Hightstown and East Windsor under the auspices of RISE Community Services, and sponsored by the Mercer County Cultural and Heritage Commission, Wells Fargo Bank and other local businesses and organizations.The purpose of the event is to increase awareness and understanding of the cultural traditions of Latin America and the Caribbean and promoting strong community relations.
A rain date is Aug. 6 at the same location.
For further information, contact RISE Community Services at 609-443-4464, or via email at info@rise-community-services.org.
