(NEWARK, NJ) -- Mayor Ras J. Baraka, Deputy Mayor for Community Engagement Jacqueline Quiles-Mercado, and the Office of Violence Prevention and Trauma Recovery (OVPTR) with the Brick City Peace Collective (BCPC), will host the Annual Latin Festival on Sunday, August 17, 2025 from noon to 10:00pm, on Bloomfield Avenue between Lake Street and Clifton Avenue, in Newark’s North Ward. This year’s event is being presented as an opportunity for city agencies to raise awareness for domestic violence prevention, with speakers sharing personal stories of transformation from the stage.
“Few events capture the vibrance of our city on such a large scale as the Latin Festival – and this year’s extravaganza promises to surpass them all,” said Mayor Baraka. “This event’s far-reaching popularity, makes it the perfect venue to raise awareness about domestic violence and the comprehensive resources Newark offers to put an end to it. As we continue to treat violence as a public health issue, domestic violence has no place to hide.
“I want to thank our Latino residents for their strong love of family and community and for infusing their contagious spirit into our businesses, government, schools, art, and every aspect of city life. It is a great privilege to produce this event to honor and celebrate Latino contributions and their ongoing commitment to Newark’s success.”
The day-long celebration will be headlined by three stellar musical show-stoppers. Milly Quezada, the “Queen of Merengue,” music is a four-time Latin Grammy winner and recipient of the Premio Soberano, the genre’s highest award. She has released many popular merengue hits such as “Lo Tengo Todo” and “Entre tu Cuerpo y el Mio.” Miriam Cruz has enjoyed a four-decade merengue career that has earned her numerous awards, including Best Merengue Orchestra in 2013, and Merengue of the Year in 2014 at the illustrious Soberano Music Awards in the Dominican Republic. Gisselle is prominent Puerto Rican merengue singer and actress. She has released multiple platinum and gold releases, and was nominated for a Grammy. The festival will also showcase an abundance of local talent including Newark’s own DJ Reymo.
The event offers fun for families and music lovers of all ages. Children will enjoy activities such as face painting and a bounce house.
“The annual Latin Festival is one of Newark’s most special and joyous events,” said Deputy Mayor Quiles-Mercado. “Our Latino residents celebrate their incredible heritage, traditions, achievements, and culture every year, joining with international stars and local talent performing on our stage. Newark welcomes families and people of all ages to come dance, eat, laugh, sing and soak up this joyful vibe!”
During the festival, OVPTR and BCPC will host a centralized, family-friendly space focused on providing information and resources related to domestic violence prevention, crisis intervention, and trauma recovery. Festival-goers will be able to access support services, receive referrals, and learn about safe pathways out of abusive relationships. Bilingual staff will also circulate throughout the event to distribute materials, answer questions, and connect individuals to real-time assistance in both English and Spanish.
“As Deputy Mayor of Public Safety, I stand proudly with our Latino community at this year’s Latin Festival – a celebration of culture and unity. This year, we’re taking bold steps to confront domestic and sexual violence by providing dedicated spaces for education, resources, and support. No matter your background or status, you deserve safety and healing. Newark is united in breaking the silence, uplifting survivors, and building a city rooted in dignity and justice,” said Deputy Mayor of Public Safety Lakeesha Eure.
The City is still accepting sponsorships and vendors. Organizations and businesses interested in supporting or participating in the Latin Festival are encouraged to contact the Office of Community Engagement at 973-733-4310.
Sponsors include OVPTR, BCPC, Wellpoint, Invest Newark, GOYA, New Jersey Puerto Rico Commission, Partnership West, Inc, Optimum, Audible, and Popular Bank.
Other generous partnerships contributing to the event’s outreach success are being offered by Newark Board of Education, New Community Corporation, ProHealth Connect Cares, Big Brother Big Sister, The Leaguers, Inc., Brick Network, Violence Intervention & Victim Program, Univision, FOCUS, La Casa De Don Pedro, United Community Corp., LISC Greater Newark, Essex County Office of Public Health, Newark Public Library, NJCRI – Vaccine, University Hospital, Beth Israel Hospital, EMS, and Kids Zone.
City departments and agencies lending support include Health and Community Wellness; Shani Baraka Women’s Resource Center; Workforce Development; Public Safety; Public Works; Economic and Housing Development; Recreation, Cultural Affairs and Senior Services; and Newark People’s Assembly.
“OVPTR is proud to be part of Newark’s annual Latin Festival, and to celebrate the culture and resilience of our Latino residents,” said Kyleesha Wingfield-Hill, Director of the Office of Violence Prevention & Trauma Recovery. “This event is more than a festival—it’s an opportunity to connect residents with life-changing resources, support victims on their healing journey, and provide tools to prevent violence and trauma in our neighborhoods. We’re excited to show up for our community in such a real and meaningful way.”
“Latin Festival is a vibrant celebration of culture, unity, and the rich heritage that makes Newark so unique,” said Brick City Peace Collective Director Jessiah Paul Muhammad. “As a proud sponsor, the Brick City Peace Collective stands in full support of events like this that bring our communities together. Our mission to reduce violence in Newark is rooted in building bridges—across neighborhoods, across cultures, and across generations. When we uplift culture and create spaces for connection, we foster peace.”
Coolers and pets are not permitted during the event. Riding bikes or scooters is also prohibited on site, but attendees are encouraged to arrive and depart using Newark Go, the city’s scooter and bike share program. The rented ebikes and scooters can be left on Clifton and Bloomfield Avenues, near the Latin Festival. There will be additional car parking in Branch Brook Park.
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