ALLENTOWN, Pa. — A new free festival that will celebrate Latin culture is coming to Allentown's downtown in May, the Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce announced.
Fiesta on Hamilton will take over Hamilton Street from 9th Street to 11th Street from 1 to 7 p.m., May 18, the Chamber announced.
"Fiesta on Hamilton is set to become a new annual tradition, uniting the community in a spectacular celebration of Latin culture."Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce release
"Fiesta on Hamilton is set to become a new annual tradition, uniting the community in a spectacular celebration of Latin culture," the chamber said in a release.
"Don’t miss this exciting inaugural event — bring your family, invite your friends, and enjoy an unforgettable day of music, food and fun."
The festival "will bring world-class Latin music to the heart of Allentown," the release said. featuring:
• Los Adolescentes (Venezuela) — Internationally renowned salsa sensation.
• Oro Sólido & El Grupo de Ahora (Dominican Republic) — High-energy merengue that will seek to have the crowd dancing.
• Rumba Caliente (Puerto Rico) — A fan-favorite band bringing the best of tropical music.
• Local Salsa & Merengue bands "showcasing the incredible Latin talent from the Lehigh Valley."
In addition to the performances, the festival will feature Latin food vendors from throughout the region, serving up flavors from across Latin America.
Valley Health Partners, one of the presenters of the event, also will hold a Family Health Fair offering free games, giveaways, and health resources for children and families.
Other presenters will be the chamber of commerce, the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of the Greater Lehigh Valley, the City of Allentown and radio station MEGA 101.7 FM.
Allentown already has its downtown Blues, Brews and Barbecue festival, which shuts down Hamilton from Sixth to Eighth streets and North and south 7th Street and the downtown ArtsWalk.
That festival draws about 20,000 people a year.
Its 17th year is scheduled for June 14.