The Puerto Rican Cultural Association of Bucks County will host its annual Puerto Rican Festival on July 22
By Samantha Bambino
The Times
No matter the background you come from or traditions you celebrate, on Saturday, July 22, everyone in Bristol will be Puerto Rican. From 1–8 p.m., the Puerto Rican Cultural Association of Bucks County is hosting its 46th annual Puerto Rican Festival along Bristol’s scenic Delaware waterfront, and it promises to be a day of fun, entertainment and education.
Last year’s Puerto Rican festival attracted more than 8,000 attendees despite the scorching heat, according to PRCABC president Norma Sullivan, and she expects this year to have an even larger turnout thanks to the new
Municipal Pier and Day Docks. In years past, Sullivan promoted driving directions and ways to attend through public transportation, but the pier opened up a third option.
“Now you can dock your boat there,” she laughed.
Though there are Puerto Rican festivals throughout the area, Sullivan prides herself in knowing most people wait for Bristol’s. While most simply have a DJ and a few vendors, this waterfront festival will have continuous music from start to finish. TKA will transport guests back to the ’90s with freestyle dance moves while Son 7, Trio Renacer, Swing Con Seis and Jenny Colon will get the crowd in the Spanish spirit with more traditional-style music. Bristol’s own DJ Chepo will perform throughout the day as well.
When surrounded by the rhythm and melodies of the Spanish music, it’s hard for attendees to just sit back and watch. Estilo Dance Studio and Domination Dance Team will be performing the merengue and salsa, among other traditional dance styles, and will be getting guests involved in the action. Throughout the day, they’ll be offering dance lessons, and during their routine the dancers will pull people from the crowd. Young or old, everyone is welcome to join in the fun.
Sullivan reflected on one 80-year-old man at a previous festival who danced longer than anyone else in the crowd. When he was finished, people had to fan him to cool him off.
“I’m always amazed at how the elderly people can put you to shame,” she said.
Guests won’t be the only ones showing off their dance skills — Paso Fino horses, known for their “dancing prance” will be mingling all day with the crowd. Pablo Boy, the horses’ owners, will explain the history of these Spanish purebreds.
Both children and adults can enjoy workshops to learn more about the Puerto Rican culture. Master artist Candido Diaz will speak and share information about Vejigante masks, which have large horns and beaks. While the kids create their own paper mache masks, parents can attend a cooking class to learn easy, traditional recipes.
All are welcome to immerse themselves in the Puerto Rican culture on July 22. Besides purchases from the vendors, everything including parking is free. A huge tent is provided for shade, but Sullivan encourages guests to bring their own lawn chairs and “dancing shoes.” The event is rain or shine, so even some precipitation won’t dampen things in the slightest.
“We consider it a blessing from above,” she said.
Overall, the Puerto Rican Festival will be a day for enjoyment, relaxation and reconnecting with family and friends.
“It’s just like being on a tropical island,” Sullivan said. “We want to continue the traditions and culture we were raised with.”
For more information and updates, visit facebook.com/Puerto-Rican-Cultural-Association-of-Bucks-County-174032711510. ••
