2nd annual festival del pueblo touts physical, spiritual, community, and family health

(Newark, NJ) – On Saturday, July 15, the Newark Puerto Rican Day Parade, Inc. in partnership with Essex County Commissioner Robert Mercado with the Board of County Commissioners and La Hermosa Church of Newark held the second annual Festival del Pueblo, or People’s Festival, in Branch Brook Park, Newark. Attendees enjoyed live musical performances, local food vendors, kids’ activities like a bouncy castle, giveaways, and more.

“Fostering a thriving community and supporting the families and people that make it up is an active effort. We must grow and care for our communities as a living thing, and this festival is a perfect example,” said Essex County Commissioner Robert Mercado. “Thank you to everyone who came out, and to all the organizers and sponsors, Essex County Executive Joe DiVincenzo, the Essex Parks Department, and the Essex Sherriff’s Office for helping everything run smoothly. Together we can celebrate not only the Puerto Rican community but the Essex community at large.”

The theme of this year’s festival was promoting good health – physically, spiritually, in the family, and in the community. The festivities kicked off with a walk-a-thon at 9am before the full celebration began at 10. Other event sponsors included the City of Newark, RWJBarnabas Health, Clara Maass Medical Center, and Goya Cares.

“The Puerto Rican Day Parade Inc. is committed to bringing faith back to our families within the City of Newark and the County,” said Lissette Colón, Vice President of Puerto Rican Day Parade, Inc. “We plan on achieving this through unity amongst our community leaders and churches. When the family fabric is healthy then our community as a whole will be healthy!”

See more pictures of the event here. Watch a video of the event here, courtesy of JT Press/Public Relations.

The 2023 Puerto Rican Day Parade, the festival’s sister event, will be held on September 17th in Newark.