Aurora's Annual Puerto Rican Festival Expected to Draw Thousands

AURORA, IL — Festival goers from all over Illinois will be celebrating Puerto Rican Heritage at this year’s Aurora Puerto Rican Cultural Council’s (APRCC) Heritage Parade and Festival taking place on Saturday, July 23 and Sunday, July 24, at River Edge Park in downtown Aurora. The Aurora Puerto Rican Cultural Council (APRCC) kicked off Puerto Rican Heritage Week Saturday, July 16, with a flag raising ceremony at City Hall.

The festival will feature performances from local and international musicians including legendary Puerto Rican artists Tony Vega “El Romántico de La Salsa (The Romantic Salsa Legend)” and Ismael Miranda “El Niño Bonito de La Salsa (The Pretty Boy of Salsa).” Other main stage acts include the Aurora’s Got Talent Competition and internationally renowned artist Jesus Enriquez.

In addition to main stage performances, festival goers will have the opportunity to experience authentic Puerto Rican cuisine and there will be games, arts & crafts and activities for the entire family. The festival will take place from noon to 10 p.m. on Saturday and begin after the parade on Sunday from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. There is a general admission $10 per day fee; 12 years old and under pay $5 per day. The full schedule of performances can be found on www.auroraprcc.org.

On Sunday, the Festival will kick off with the Aurora Puerto Rican Day Parade which starts at noon at the corner of River St. and Benton St. traveling down to the reviewing stand at 20 E Downers Place. Mayor Tom Weisner and the 2016 Puerto Rican Parade Queen, Aricela Mendez, 24, of Aurora, and her court will be among the parade participants. Mendez is a local hairstylist and graduate of Waubonsie Valley High School and the Salon Professional Academy.

The Grand Marshal of this year’s parade is Luis Mateo, 55, born in Aurora. Mateo dedicates his free time volunteering at the Chicago Oakley Boxing Club.

“My goal is to help young kids stay off the streets and give them something to aspire to,” Mateo said, who often helps to pay for their dues. Mateo was recently inducted into the Illinois Boxing Hall of Fame on November 14, 2015. He’s also the lead singer for the popular Bachata and Merengue band “Mateo y Los Bachateros.”

“We invite everyone to celebrate with us and learn more about our Puerto Rican culture,” said APRCC President Jesus JJ Negron. “This a fun family event in which you’ll be introduced to our diverse and welcoming people, our rich cuisine, colorful arts & crafts and vibrant music."

The festival and parade are organized by the Aurora Puerto Rican Cultural Council. Proceeds generated from the festival help support the Puerto Rican community of Aurora through scholarships and charitable donations. Connect with the Aurora Puerto Rican Cultural Council (APRCC) online by visiting: www.auroraprcc.org.