BETHLEHEM, Pa. – A Latin music festival in the Lehigh Valley is celebrating a special anniversary with food, music, and dancing.
The quinceañera celebration of the ¡Sabor! Latin Festival presented by Highmark Blue Shield is taking place from Thursday, June 25, through Saturday, June 27, on the ArtsQuest Campus at SteelStacks, according to a news release from ArtsQuest.
ArtsQuest says the festival will include the beloved Puerto Rican Flag Raising Ceremony and dancing under the stars.
Festivities for the annual free festival begin on Thursday, June 25, at 7 p.m. with a special free screening of “Salsa,” accompanied by a live performance by Clave Legacy as part of Cinema Significa at the Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas inside the ArtsQuest Center.
People can follow the journey of Latin performers, the Fania All-Stars, from small clubs to a historic concert at Yankee Stadium, weaving in the genre’s history and cultural impact through archival footage and performances, according to the news release.
On Friday, June 26, there will be a live DJ from 5 – 6 p.m. for !Mega Happy Hour! in partnership with La MEGA Radio, ArtsQuest said.
ArtsQuest says the annual Puerto Rican Flag Raising Ceremony will take place just before the musical celebrations later that evening. The event will feature U.S. and Puerto Rican National Anthems and community speakers.
Attendees can enjoy offerings from festival staples like Holy Infancy Church, Hogar Crea and La Frikitona, and, new to the scene, La Cocina del Abuelo (Grandpa’s Kitchen)! ArtsQuest said in its news release.
ArtsQuest says to stay tuned for more vendor and activity updates.
“As ¡Sabor! Latin Music Festival celebrates its 15th anniversary, it continues to solidify its reputation as a premier celebration of Latin Heritage in our community through its captivating music and authentic cultural flavors,” said Nurys Henriquez-Perez, Client Manager at Highmark Blue Shield, Member of SALUD, Highmark’s Latino Business Resource Group and Member of ArtsQuest’s Latin Programming Committee.
“It’s a testament to our ongoing commitment to fostering inclusive spaces that inspire, educate and celebrate art in all its forms. The festival promises to be a vibrant showcase of our cultural identity, heritage and diversity.”
Friday Schedule:
Highmark Blue Shield Community Stage on the Air Products Town Square
5 – 6 p.m.
La Mega Live Happy Hour
Highmark Blue Shield Community Stage on the Air Products Town Square
6 – 6:30 p.m.
Puerto Rican Flag Raising Ceremony
Highmark Blue Shield Community Stage on the Air Products Town Square
6:30 – 8 p.m.
Fabricio Orihuela
Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks presented by Lehigh Valley Health Network, part of Jefferson Health
8 – 10 p.m.
Hector Rosado y su Orq Hache
Highmark Blue Shield Community Stage on the Air Products Town Square
10 p.m. – 12 a.m.
Herencia Jibara
ArtsQuest says the celebration continues on Saturday, June 27, with a full day of live music featuring dynamic performances.
Saturday Schedule:
Highmark Blue Shield Community Stage on the Air Products Town Square
4:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Grupo Folclórico – Portugal no Coração
Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks presented by Lehigh Valley Health Network, part of Jefferson Health
5:30 – 7 p.m.
Alea
Highmark Blue Shield Community Stage on the Air Products Town Square
7 – 9 p.m.
Grupo Hipnosis
Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks presented by Lehigh Valley Health Network, part of Jefferson Health
9 – 10 p.m.
Cita Rodriguez
Highmark Blue Shield Community Stage on the Air Products Town Square
10 p.m. – 12 a.m.
Pancho Bongo
“We are counting down the days to the 15th annual ¡Sabor! Latin Music Festival, an event that continues to grow with the help of our Latin Programming Committee,” said Shayna Super, Programming Director at ArtsQuest.
“This festival is rooted in community, and each year we’re proud to showcase the rich traditions, music and heritage that make Latin culture so vibrant here in the Lehigh Valley.”