Festival and Parade as part of the City’s ‘Tapestry of Nations’ Ethnic Festival Series
– Mayor Jerramiah T. Healy, the Municipal Council and the Division of Cultural Affairs proudly announce that the annual Puerto Rican Heritage Parade and Festival, being held as part of the City’s ‘Tapestry of Nations’ Ethnic Festival Series will take place on Sunday, August 5, 2012.
The Puerto Rican Parade kicks off at 10:30 a.m. from Lincoln Park at Kennedy Boulevard and Belmont Avenue. It winds its way along Kennedy Boulevard to Montgomery Street, and then along Montgomery Street to the reviewing stand at City Hall.
The Puerto Rican Heritage Festival will be held at Exchange Place from 12:00p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Each year, the Puerto Rican Heritage Parade and Festival showcases and celebrates the rich heritage of the people of Jersey City that represent Puerto Rico. This exciting and fun event for all families and ages to join in on as the Puerto Rican community is honored for the greatness that they instill on this city.
“The contributions made by the Puerto Rican community have been a major benefactor and influence on Jersey City” said
Mayor Healy. “Their core values of faith, family and hard work are directly reflected in the vibrant culture and economy that makes up Jersey City. I encourage everyone to take part in this day long festival that commemorates the triumphs made by the people of Puerto Rico.”
The Puerto Rican Heritage and Festival Parade Committee has always sought to honor worthwhile and deserving individuals and has bestowed the following honors upon these fine upstanding citizens: Grand Marshall – Polito Vega; Little Miss Puerto Rico – Emani Mejias; Police Officer of The Year – Yolanda Cartagena; Fireman of The Year – Anthony Gonzalez; Family of The Year – Aviles Family (Norberto “Bert” Aviles, Jr., Maria Magdalena “Maggie” Aviles, Leonardo “Leo” Aviles, Herminio “Tito” Aviles, Juan “Tito” Aviles, Edwardo “Eddie” Aviles, Wilfredo “Freddy” Aviles, Oscar Aviles, and Alexandra “Tata” Aviles); Teacher of The Year – Marlene Aviles; Local GodFather – Juan Cartagena; Local GodMother – Nanette Hernandez; Man of The Year – Juan “Cheese” Vasguez; Woman of The Year – Rosa M. Pagnillo-Lopez; Student of The Year – Jeremy Garriga; Local Artist of The Year – Luis De Jesus; Corrections Officer of the Year – Jose Rosario; International Godmother – Vera Clemente; and P.R . Man of the Year – Johnny Ventura.
All media inquiries should be directed to Jennifer Morrill, Press Secretary to Mayor Jerramiah T. Healy at 201-547-4836 or 201-376-0699.///
