Sunday, September 15th from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
(Rain date of September 22nd)
Paradise Green
This celebration of Latin culture will showcase performances by notable Latin bands and professional folkloric dance groups.
This year’s theme is Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together, which recognizes Hispanics/Latinos who have been trailblazers and game-changers and paving the way for future generations. The event is co-chaired by Gladys Ramos and Olga Pena.
The festival kicks off Hispanic Heritage Month, which is celebrated from September 15th through October 15th, and on September 16th at 9 a.m. there will be the Hispanic Heritage flag raising ceremony on the steps of Town Hall, 2725 Main Street.
“The theme motivates us to recognize all Hispanic and Latinos who paved the way for future generations. We can celebrate our past and reflect on how great our tomorrows can be if we hold onto resiliency and unity. We are proud to bring this annual festival to Stratford, reminding our community that we are stronger together,” said Gladys Ramos, founder of the Stratford Hispanic Heritage Committee.
Featured will be the Emmy nominated performing troupe, Danza Fiesta. Danza Fiesta: Baile y Teatro Puertorriqueño, is part of the non-profit organization Diversity in Arts and Nations for Cultural Education, Inc. (“D.A.N.C.E., Inc.”). Danza Fiesta is a New York-based folk dance company of 25 dancers and musicians under the direction of the Puerto Rican folklorist, Ms. Gilda Rivera-Pantojas. Today, Danza Fiesta’s members devote a great deal of time, energy and enthusiasm towards celebrating, and preserving the traditions of our Puerto Rican heritage and culture.
Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs to enjoy the festivities. Please note tents are permitted for registered vendors only. The festival will feature more than 45 vendors, including food trucks, arts and crafts booths and community organizations.
Event Schedule
11:45 a.m. DJ Edgar
12:15 p.m. Opening Remarks
12:45 p.m. Parade of Flags of Hispanic Countries
1:15 p.m .DJ Edgar
1:40 p.m. Ballet Folklorico Dominicano
2:00 p.m. Latin Rhythm Dancers
2:25 p.m. Stratford Shotokan Karate Demonstration
2:45 p.m. To Be Confirmed
3:30 p.m. Orquesta Afinke – Salsa band
4:15 p.m. Danza Fiesta – NYC-based Puerto Rican folkloric dance company
5:15 p.m, Orquesta Afinke – Salsa band
Parking is available at Adzima Funeral Home at 50 Paradise Green Place, M&T Bank at 3395 Main Street and the Stratford Unitarian Universalist Church at 275 Huntington Road.
More information can be found at: facebook.com/StratfordHispanicHeritage
