NEIGHBORHOOD FESTIVAL CELEBRATES 25 YEARS WITH A BIG BANG

 
Philadelphia, Pa-Aug. 27, 2008 - Get your dancing shoes ready for this year's Feria del Barrio-- celebrating 25 Years of arts, education and community development. The festival will take place on Sunday, September 7 from 12 to 6 p.m. in El Centro de Oro, North 5th Street between Lehigh and Cambia avenues in Philadelphia .

FERIA DEL BARRIO serves as one of Philadelphia 's largest celebrations of Latino music and culture -- the only one celebrated in the heart of the Latino community. Feria del Barrio is a free outdoor festival for the entire family, Latinos and non-Latinos alike, featuring children's activities, arts, crafts, food and some of Latin America's most renowned musical artists.

Hosted by Univision 65's Ilia Garcia and La Mega's Maria del Pilar, this year's Feria promises to be unforgettable.  The day will offer singing by salsa stars Hector Tricoche and Objetivo Fama winner Marlon Fernandez, in addition to Marino y su Comando 7 y Naldy y los Hijuelas del Mambo with the sounds of bachata, merengue and bomba groups.

Come ready to eat your favorite Latino dish, dance to your favorite salsa, bachata or merengue tune, buy your favorite piece of Latino art, hand-crafted jewelry, or book by your favorite Latino authors; get the information you need from local social service agencies, get free medical testing and more. And don't leave the little ones behind because there will be lots of fun, engaging activities for them too in the carnival-like Kid's Corner, including a moon bounce and face painting!

Feria del Barrio is made possible thanks to the collaboration of Congreso, HACE, Raíces Culturales Latinoamericanas, Taller Puertorriqueño and the following sponsors: Univision 65, El Sol Newspaper, La Mega 1310 AM, William Penn Foundation, Keystone Mercy Health Plan, Johnson and Johnson, AFLAC, City of Philadelphia, Health Partners, PNC Bank, Stark and Stark, Rumba, TD Banknorth and Raymond's.

For more information about Feria del Barrio or future activities in the Latino community, please contact Yolanda Jiménez-Colon at 215.423.6320 or yjcolon@tallerpr.org .