- The Dominican Festival will take place in Allentown starting at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 27
- The celebration will feature live music by Bachata artist Optimo and merengue singer Silvio Mora
- Food vendors will be selling Latin-inspired eats and drinks
ALLENTOWN, Pa. — Bachata singer Optimo soon will bring the plátano power to Allentown.
The hitmaker, known for his songs "El Cuchillo," and "Conectate," is among the headliners at the Dominican Festival, starting at 1 p.m. Sunday at 7th and Hamilton streets in Allentown.
Optimo will debut some of his latest music for fans from his upcoming album, "NSN (Never Say Never)" out Nov. 1.
The 14-track project includes the soon-to-be tune, "Pirata" and other danceable beats.
The New York City-based singer also plans on catching up with pals while in the area.
"There's a lot of people moving to Pennsylvania from New York because the city is becoming too expensive and too wild," he said. "I know a lot of my friends moved to Allentown because of that."
Joining him onstage are merengue artist Silvio Mora and rapper Vakero.
A growing community
Sandra Vargas is among the organizers of the cultural celebration that is now in its sixth year.
"The festival began because we have a large Dominican community and we did not have any activities that represent our culture," Vargas said.
According to the latest census report, of the 54% of Latinos living in the city, an estimated 18,000 are from the Caribbean island.
"There are definitely more Dominicans moving [to the area], I have seen the growth over the last years just by attendance at the festival," Vargas said. "People even come from other (nearby) states."
Picaderas
At the fest, attendees will also be able to taste some Dominican-inspired snacks and other Latin dishes.
"Allentown deserves to have that relief as well, so the people can enjoy and forget about their problems and just have fun."Bachata singer Optimo
On tap are local food vendors such as Empanadas Monumental, La Cocina de Clara, Palma's Catering and La Frikitona.
The eateries will serve up dishes such as pollo guisado, carne fritas, jibarito (a sandwich made with flattened, fried green plantains and steak), tostones and empanadas.
Expect to see Banderas waving with pride, similar to what one would encounter in larger cities.
It's the perfect mix of country, food, and music, Optimo says.
"Like every city, New York, Boston, and Washington D.C., they always have a Dominican festival. Allentown deserves to have that relief as well, so the people can enjoy and forget about their problems and just have fun."
Additionally, Vargas and staff are also looking for volunteers to work at the festival.
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