Published by New Jersey Stage
originally published: 06/28/2025
(CARTERET, NJ) -- New Jersey's most popular Latin Fest will return on Saturday, July 26, 2025 to Carteret, but this year in a new location: the Borough's accessible Civic Center Park and Sports Complex at 272 Pershing Ave. The venue change is due to ongoing construction improvements to Waterfront Park, the home of Latin Fest since 2018.
Presented by Mayor Daniel J. Reiman, the Borough Council and Carteret Business Partnership, Carteret Latin Fest will be headlined by Dominican merengue star Mala Fe, whose hits include “La Vaca,” “Con el Pompi Pa’rriba” and “Tra Tra.” Highlights also will include other live music, as well as popular DJs, a feast of Latin food, a beer garden, fireworks, and cultural dances thanks in large part to Gold Sponsors Xfinity, The Botanic, Bell Mitsubishi and Levinson Axelrod.
“Carteret is the most culturally diverse town in Central Jersey and the third most diverse town in all of New Jersey with almost 40 percent of our community being of Hispanic descent,” Mayor Reiman said. “Our annual Latin Fest is one of many celebrations of Carteret’s diversity. It has become one of the best attended Latin festivals in the state and is a fantastic opportunity to educate our community through food, music and cultural dances.”
Attendees will be able to enjoy cultural dances in a variety of Latin styles, including salsa, merengue, bachata, cumbia, and musica tipica. A variety of Latin-style dishes also can be enjoyed, along with a beer garden.
Considered to be one of the strongest voices in merengue today, Male Fe has churned out solid gold hits, which also include “A Lo Oscuro,” “El Jarro” and “El Chivo.” Born Javier Gutierrez in Puerto Plata, Mala Fe began playing congas and singing at age 8 and later joined his brother’s band, La Tropa, as a percussionist. His 2000 solo debut album, “Con su Loguera,” reached No. 5 on the Billboard Latin chart based on the strength of the hit singles “La Vaca,” “El Jarro” and “El Chivo.”
Other Latin Fest performers will include:
* Colombian cumbia greats La Sonora Dinamita performing favorites, such as “Que Bello” and “Escándalo”
* Manole Y Su Orquesta – a salsa and tropical ensemble that records for the New York City-based independent label and led by Dominican-born, NYC-based pianist-composer-arranger Manuel Perez
* Hot Central Jersey bachata band La Selección De La Bachata
* DJ Anthony Rey – host of “La Súper Mezcla de La X” on X96.3FM Latin radio
* MC Willie Will – The mic master of Latin Mix Masters show, aka “El Party Maker.”
The fiesta will be from 4:00pm to 11:00pm with fireworks scheduled for 9:15pm at Civic Center Park. Because of the popularity of Latin Fest, additional parking will be located and buses will run from 4:00pm to midnight at Carteret Middle School (Carteret Park on Carteret Avenue) and Minue School (83 Post Blvd).
Gold sponsors are:
* Xfinity, which is proud to support the Carteret Latin Fest. Xfinity keeps you connected to more of what you love with fast, reliable internet at a great value. With Xfinity Mobile, connect to the most reliable 5G network nationwide and save hundreds a year with the best price for two lines of Unlimited.
* The Botanic, where city living meets the suburban dream with stunning views, inspired design and spacious floor plans. Located just steps away from the Carteret Performing Arts Center, The Botanic is the perfect blend of urban convenience and artistic inspiration.
* Bell Mitsubishi, a premier New Jersey auto dealer with a huge selection of new and used vehicles from which to choose. Based in Rahway and serving towns along the Raritan and Newark bays, Bell offers Mitsubishi service and parts, online inventory, and outstanding financing options.
* Levinson Alexrod, which for 85 years, has been perfecting the art of personal injury litigation, creating a reputation as the firm ready to take each case to trial. Insurance companies, judges and opposing counsel alike all know Levinson Axelrod’s name. Their motto is “Your story deserves our legacy. Your future deserves our fight.”
Latin Fest Silver Sponsor is CMG Home Loans and Latin Fest Bronze Sponsors are Apples Mexican Italian Restaurant, Chris Michael’s Steakhouse, Consulting & Municipal Engineers (CME), Corona Extra, Eastern Datacomm Safety and Communication Solutions, French & Parello Associates (FPA), P.C. Richard & Son, Porky Products,Potter Architects, Prudential, Race Star, and ShopRite of Carteret.
Updates about Latin Fest will be available at Carteret.net or by following @MyCarteret on Facebook, Instagram, and X.
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE BOROUGH OF CARTERET
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