Popular Portugal Day Festival Will Return To Newark For 2023

NEWARK, NJ — A popular Portugal Day Festival is returning to Newark for 2023.

Since 1979, hundreds of thousands of people have visited the city’s Ironbound section to take part in the annual festivities, which include folk dances and special performances that celebrate Portuguese culture. And of course, visitors can enjoy a bounty of foods from the bevy of Portuguese restaurants in the area, which have gained a reputation as some of the best in the state.

This year’s festival will take place on June 9, 10 and 11. Learn more here.

On Monday, the Portugal Day Committee announced the 2023 honorees, each of whom have “contributed to the Portuguese presence in Newark and the entire United States.” The list included:

• 2023 Portugal Day Grand Marshal -Tony Pereira
• 2023 Portugal Day Honorary Grand Marshal – Mayor Ras Baraka
• 2023 Portugal Day Luso-American of the Year – Eliana Pintor Marin
• 2023 Portugal Day Man of the Year – Fernando Silva
• 2023 Portugal Day Woman of the Year – Helena Vinhas
• 2023 Portugal Day Student of the Year – Ines Silva
• 2023 Portugal Day Business of The Year – Pao da Terra Bakery
• 2023 Portugal Day Community Service Award – SPT Television

“The choice of these distinguished obeyed a criterion that highlighted their contributions to the affirmation of the Portuguese community since they all exemplify the work, love and dedication to the United States without ever forgetting their origins,” committee president Fernando Grilo said.

Assemblywoman Eliana Pintor Marin, who represents the city in the 29th District, said it’s a “great pride” to be selected as Luso-American of the Year.

“I want to emphasize that the values instilled in me by my parents always guide my way of being and making decisions,” the assemblywoman said. “It is a pride to be Portuguese-American.”

Newark Councilman Michael Silva said the annual festival is important to the Ironbound and city as a whole, adding that promoting “celebrations that enhance the importance of Portugal Day” was one of his election goals.

As for the grand marshal, Antonio Pereira, he’s both “thrilled and pleased” to take part in the celebration.

“I am very emotional, and I want to thank the committee for this distinction that represents a lot to me,” Pereira said.

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