The 4-day festival begins with a performance by Plena Libra, a Grammy-nominated band, and continues with mariachi, salsa, merengue and reggaeton performances.
View full sizeFILE – The Western Massachusetts Puerto Rican Parade winds down Sargeant Street in Holyoke.HOLYOKE – The Western Massachusetts Puerto Rican Parade and Family Festival will celebrate 25 years this weekend.
“It’s been a long standing tradition in the city of Holyoke, and an opportunity for everyone to come together to have a good time,” said Freddie Vazquez, who is organizing the parade. The festival is organized by Holyoke City Councilor Diosdado Lopez.
The four-day festival begins Thursday at 5:30 p.m. with a performance by Plena Libra, a Grammy-nominated Puerto Rican folkloric band, at 8:30 p.m.
The event continues Friday and Saturday with mariachi, salsa, merengue and reggaeton performances including Mariachi Connecticut, Neo y Anesti and David Cedano y su Orquestra, Los Toros Band and many more.
“We wanted to bring a variety of musical talent, not just one type of music,” Vazquez said. “While this is primarily a Puerto Rican event we want all Latino countries to be represented.”
The festivities culminate on Sunday with the parade, which kicks off at noon from Holyoke High School. On Sunday, there will also be a performance at 6 p.m. by Latin salsa singer Tito Allen, a well-known Puerto Rican salsa singer.
The parade will include local dance groups and musicians as well as floats.
“It’s going to be a great parade with something for everyone,” Vazquez said.
The event will also include crafts, activities for children and Puerto Rican cuisine sold by local vendors.
“This is a family-oriented event,” Vazquez said. “We want people to come out and have fun.”