116th Street Latino Festival Celebrates 38th Edition with Outdoor Dance and Culture Party

A great outdoor party was held at the 116th Street Latino Festival, which celebrated its 38th edition this Saturday.

“Proud to be here with all Puerto Ricans and non-Puerto Ricans as well, because we are all united,” said Hilda Lugo, a festival attendee.

Several blocks of El Barrio were lit with the Latin flavor through typical foods, crafts, representative merchandise from different countries and, as a good Latin party should never be missing, salsa.

This meeting was born with the purpose of giving the Latino community a space to publicize their cultural heritage and it is already customary that it is organized the day before the traditional parade of Puerto Rico.

The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Hunter College Center for Puerto Rican Studies are some of the entities leading the event.

“Little by little, Hispanic power is growing, when you have power, then you demand and you can get all the other non-Hispanic elected officials to help Hispanics,” said Nick Lugo, President and Founder, Festival de la 116 street.

Every year the event grows more and more, it is well received by thousands of people who travel from all over the country and even from other countries to enjoy this outdoor meeting.

The musical programming included several artists including the new generation of Menudo made up of five young people of different nationalities.

“It is a pride to be in this festival, I found out that it is the largest festival in the northeast and it is incredible, it is a pride to be here with many Puerto Ricans, sharing as if it were a family,” said Gabriel Rossell, a member of Menudo.

For many, being here is synonymous with happiness:

“Everyone is here, friends who come from there and from all countries because we are one and things, buying little things to wear, the flags, everything that makes us ‘proud of us,’ makes us happy,” said Theresa Báez.

“Latinos united, do you understand me? Because a united people can do everything”, said David García.

“It is a very big event, important for us. When Covid was there, everything was closed, ‘so’ this is good to go out and share with our people”, added Luis Rivera.

“Without words from so many Puerto Ricans that are here representing our country and how beautiful everything looks,” said another attendee.