Latin Music Festival Announced In Stratford

STRATFORD, CT — (Contributed): The town of Stratford and the Stratford Hispanic Heritage Committee will celebrate Hispanic Heritage month at the 18th annual Latin Music Festival in September.

The popular event, sponsored by Berchem Moses, will take place from 12 noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 10 on Paradise Green. The rain date is Sept. 17.

The celebration continues at 9 a.m. on Sept. 15 with the Hispanic Heritage flag raising ceremony on the steps of Town Hall at 2725 Main St.

The celebration of Latin culture will showcase performances by notable Latin bands and professional folkloric dance groups. The festival will feature more than 45 vendors, including food trucks, arts and crafts booths and community organizations.

This year’s theme is Latinos: Driving Prosperity, Power, and Progress in America, which recognizes the significant strides of Hispanics in the economic, political, and social growth of the United States. The event is co-chaired by Gladys Ramos and Olga Pena. The festival kicks off Hispanic Heritage Month, which is celebrated from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15.

“Stratford is an incredibly wonderful, diverse community, and it is important to honor the cultures that shape our town,” Mayor Laura R. Hoydick said. “The Latin Music Festival is a fun and vibrant way to celebrate our Hispanic heritage, enjoying delicious food, music, and dancing with friends and family. I look forward to seeing everyone at Paradise Green for one of the most festive days of the year here in Stratford.”

Ramos, founder of the Stratford Hispanic Heritage Committee, said: “The festival inspires us to continue celebrating our past and reflect on how great our tomorrows can be if we hold onto resiliency and hope. We are proud to bring this annual festival to Stratford, reminding our community that we are stronger together.”

Parking is available at Adzima Funeral Home at 50 Paradise Green Place, M&T Bank at 3395 Main St., and the Stratford Unitarian Universalist Church at 275 Huntington Rd. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs to enjoy the festivities. Note that tents are allowed for registered vendors only.

The Latin Music Festival is part of the Celebrate Stratford collection of events. For more information, visit www.hispanicheritageofstratford.com or www.CelebrateStratford.com.