Olga Tañón Headlines Newark Latin Festival In August

NEWARK, NJ — The annual Latin Festival will be held in August in Newark's North Ward, featuring plenty of food, activities for kids, and health resources.

The festival is Sunday, Aug. 21 from noon-10 p.m. on Bloomfield Avenue between Lake Street and Clifton Avenue. The event's theme is "Newark Forward Minus Violence Equals Our Future," the city said.

Olga Tañón, known as “La Mujer de Fuego” (the Woman of Fire), is headlining. The Puerto Rican native has two Grammys, four Latin Grammys, and a host of other awards from her three-decade career. DJ Reymo will also star.

The Office of Violence Prevention and Trauma Recovery is hosting the festival with Mayor Ras J. Baraka and Deputy Mayor for Community Engagement Jacqueline Quiles.

“The Latino community is an integral part of our city,” Mayor Baraka said. “I am pleased and honored to continue to bring Newark back together in a festival that showcases the best parts of our city: our diversity, our sense of community, and our musical and artistic culture. I invite Newark families to come out with us to celebrate.”

Lakeesha Eure, director of the Office of Violence Prevention and Trauma Recovery, said the office is a proud host and sponsor of the festival.

"We will be collaborating to bring awareness and resources to the North Ward," Eure said. The office will have 15 to 20 other partners supporting us with resources. We are bringing a message of hope and healing to the Latin community."

Staff members will connect residents with information about mental health, employment, relocation, and services for those who have been affected by crime and violence.

Some of the other festival sponsors include Invest Newark, Popular Community Bank, Wells Fargo, and Horizon Blue Cross/Blue Shield, the city said. Anyone interested in sponsoring is asked to contact Deputy Mayor Quiles at 973-733-4310.

Per the city, no pets, coolers, or youth on bikes and scooters are allowed at the event. "Residents and attendees are encouraged to takes advantage of the City’s scooter and bike share program," the city said. "They should be left on Clifton and Bloomfield Avenues, near the Latin Festival. There will be additional car parking in Branch Brook Park."