Portugal Day In Newark: Here’s What To Expect At 2023 Festival

NEWARK, NJ — More details and events have been announced for a popular celebration of Portuguese culture in Newark.

The Portugal Day 2023 committee recently announced this year’s programs, including the annual Portugal Day Festival, which will take place on June 9, 10 and 11. Learn more here.

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.

The Portugal Day Commission recognized the City of Newark,Mayor Ras Baraka, Councilman Michael Silva and the City Council for their partnership and support in making Portugal Day 2023 possible.

Here's what is in store for the 2023 festival, organizers said:

Friday, June 9 – Beginning of the great festivities at Peter Francisco Park, 6 pm

• “Os Rouxinóis” da Casa do Minho
• David de Mello
• Ana Duarte
• Ana Malhoa

Saturday, June 10 – Continuation of the Portugal Day Festivities Peter Francisco Park, noon:

• Banda Ghost Rodents
• Rancho Folclórico da Casa do Minho
• Sons da Terra
• Rancho Folclórico A Eira
• Nemanus

Sunday, June 11 – Continuation of the festivities Peter Francisco Park

• Portugal Day Races 9 am Ferry Street
• Portugal's Day Parade 3 pm
• Rancho Sonhos de Portugal de Kearny
• Cristiana de Sá
• Ana Duarte
• Closing of the celebrations (10 pm)

Looking for other chances to celebrate Portuguese culture in Newark? Here are some other events and activities to mark down on your calendar.

May 18 – Portugal Day Grand Gala – 7 PM Casa Seabra

The 2023 Portugal Day festivities will honor several dignitaries from multiple backgrounds who contribute to the Portuguese Presence in Newark and throughout the United States. Recognition of 2023 honorees include:

• Grand Marshal of Portugal Day 2023 -Tony Pereira
• Honorary Grand Marshal of Portugal Day 2023 – Ras Baraka Mayor
• Luso-American of the Year Portugal Day 2023 – Eliana Pintor Marin
• Man of the Year Portugal Day 2023 – Fernando Silva
• Woman of the Year Portugal Day 2023 – Helena Vinhas
• Student of the Year Portugal Day 2023 – Inês Silva
• Portugal Day Entrepreneurship Award 2023 – Bread of the Earth Bakery
• Community Service Award Portugal Day 2023 – SPT Television

May 25 – Portugal Day Exhibition Newark Prospect St Fire House, Newark

• Exhibition by Fernando Silva with the theme "A LITTLE BIT OF ME”
• Opening of the exhibition 6pm

June 2 Folk Ranch Festival – Ironbound Stadium 7 pm

With the participation of the following folk collectives:

• Rancho Folclórico da Casa do Concelho dos Arcos de Valdevez
• Rancho Folclórico Barcuense
• Rancho Folclórico da Casa do Minho
• Rancho Folclórico da Casa do Ribatejo
• Rancho Folclórico Dança na Eira
• Rancho Folclórico Danças e Cantares de Portugal Elizabeth
• Rancho Folclórico A Eira
• Rancho Folclórico Raízes de Portugal South River
• Rancho Folclórico Camponeses do Minho Sport Clube Português

June 3 – Flag Raising Ceremony Newark City Hall 11 am

June 7 – Portugal Day Mass – Newark Cathedral 7 pm

June 8 – Portugal Day Reception at the Consulate of Portugal in Newark 7 pm

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