The 27th Annual Portugal Day Festival, organized by Nobre Foundation Corp and sponsored by SolMar Restaurant, returns to Ferry and Niagara Streets in Newark’s Ironbound neighborhood from June 7/8/9, 2024. This year’s festival promises to be a vibrant celebration of Portuguese culture, featuring a variety of cultural activities for all ages. Founded 26 years ago by Portuguese immigrant Tony Nobre, the Portugal Day Festival by SolMar in Newark celebrates Portuguese heritage through food, music, and art. Nobre says, “There are many Portugal Day celebrations, but for good sardines and authentic Portuguese food, there’s no place like our festival.” The event showcases Portuguese culture, fosters community pride preserves traditions, and bridges the Portuguese immigrant population with the wider Newark community, promoting cultural exchange and appreciation. Experience the essence of the festival, where Portuguese cuisine takes center stage. Prepared by a skilled team, the food court offers a delightful selection, including the famous charcoal-grilled sardines with ‘broa’ bread, a tradition in Portugal during festivities. The visitors will also have the opportunity to taste the pork sandwich ‘bifanas’, succulent BBQ chicken Piri Piri, and spare ribs Portuguese-style seasoned, flavorful octopus salad, sweet fried doughnuts ‘farturas’, and the iconic refreshing sangria. These authentic dishes, beloved for their taste and quality, continue to attract visitors from across the East Coast, promising a culinary experience like no other. This year the festival will feature an outstanding lineup of performers directly from Portugal. Toy, a leading figure in Portuguese entertainment, singer Anna Duarte combines Latin pop rhythms with danceable melodies and romantic ballads. Concertina player Mike da Gaita blends traditional Portuguese melodies and contemporary rhythms. Performing their captivating repertoire, Claudia Martins and Minhotos Marotos, while Miguel Azevedo blends “lambadas” and “corridos.” The duo Polly and Juliana Victor will command the show delivering a dynamic performance with their blend of traditional and contemporary rhythms. Rancho Folclórico Dança na Eira showcases Portugal’s rich cultural heritage through vibrant music and folk performances. The Portugal Day Festival by SolMar is excited to announce another year of partnership with the Newark Museum of Art, bringing engaging arts activities for attendees of all ages. Additionally, the NY Red Bull Street Style team will showcase their impressive sports skills, offering fun entertainment and exciting giveaways for everyone. Alongside the cultural offerings, the festival will host a variety of activities, including social programs. Attendees will have access to essential community services such as voter registration, mammogram exam applications, Newark City IDs, and blood pressure checks, thanks to partnerships with the City of Newark and the Municipal Council of Newark. This year, the Nobre Foundation Corp will launch a pivotal initiative at the festival, focusing on educational and cultural programs. We are proud to announce two scholarships for East Side High School students. Luis Nobre, the event coordinator, stated, “This marks our commitment to promoting education and strengthening our community, aiming to create a brighter future for all. This event is open to the entire community, offering a range of services and activities for all visitors.” The Portugal Day Festival 2024 is proud to announce our sponsors and supporters who helped make this event possible. We extend our gratitude to BCB Bank, Super Bock, Peerless Beverage Co., Teddy Cars, Concrete Systems, America’s Bakery, Ana Silva (Remax Select Newark), Joia Restaurant, Newark Expeditors, Marilene Oliveira (Exit Realty Lucky), Vida Pharmacy, Ironbound Wealth Management, Wine Enterprises, and Cotafacil. We are also honored to partner with institutional supporters, including the City of Newark Mayor Ray J. Baraka, Councilman Michael Silva, The Newark Museum of Art, East Side High School, NY Red Bull Street Style, and our media partners SIC International, Radio Clube, and SPT Television. The Portugal Day Festival by SolMar is a family-friendly event that welcomes people of all ages and backgrounds to come together and celebrate Portuguese culture. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience incredible Portuguese food, music, and traditions right here in Newark.