Lowell – The city of Lowell came alive with joy and pride during the 2025 Puerto Rican Festival, held at the JFK Civic Center.

This much-anticipated event became a true cultural gathering, where hundreds of families enjoyed live music, traditional dances, delicious typical food, and an atmosphere full of color, traditions, and plenty of Boricua flavor.

Over two days of celebration, the Puerto Rican community came together to share in a joyful, family-friendly, and safe environment. The stage featured performances by artists such as Daniel Jaime, Cristian Alicea, the renowned group Los Adolescentes, Caribbean Storm, Chocoband, Domenic Marte, Juancho, and a grand finale by the legendary Charlie Aponte. Cultural shows such as Pasión y Cultura, Remembranza, the popular Robot Show, and children’s performances added excitement for both kids and adults.

The festival’s opening event began with the raising of the Puerto Rican flag, a solemn and emotional moment that officially marked the start of the celebration. During this occasion, the presentation of the festival queens also took place, with the young women proudly representing the beauty, culture, and spirit of Boricua youth.

The ceremony was led by Lowell Mayor Daniel Rourke, alongside other local and state officials, who offered welcoming remarks and reaffirmed their support for the Puerto Rican community. Prominent city figures, community leaders, and representatives from various organizations were also in attendance. The event’s opening was blessed by Cecilio Hernández, who delivered an invocation filled with hope, unity, and gratitude.

Families strolled through the various stands surrounded by music, games, raffles, and the sale of crafts and cultural items that reflected pride in Puerto Rico. T-shirts, flag-themed jewelry, traditional hats, wood art, and colorful paintings created a vivid festival scene. In addition, several local businesses and community organizations provided information and resources, reinforcing a sense of unity and mutual support—all within an atmosphere of respect, joy, and intergenerational bonding.

Awards and Recognitions

One of the most heartfelt moments of the festival was the awards ceremony held during the special event Celebrate Diversity, which honored community leaders for their commitment to culture and the social development of Lowell.

Among the honorees was festival president Elizabeth Gonzalo, who received an official citation from the Massachusetts House of Representatives, presented by the state delegation. In his remarks, the representative highlighted Elizabeth’s positive impact as a promoter of Puerto Rican culture and diversity in the city. Her mother was also recognized as a symbol of heritage and generational legacy that continues to flourish.

The organizers also paid tribute to notable Puerto Rican figures in Lowell, including Francisco Maldonado, former police officer and candidate for District 8 City Council, Pastor Carmen Bermúdez, and Andrés López, who were acknowledged for their leadership and dedication to the community.

The food vendors offered a wide array of traditional flavors such as alcapurrias, pinchos, mofongo, arroz con gandules, bacalaítos, and pasteles, creating an authentically Boricua culinary experience. The aroma of the traditional dishes blended with the sounds of the festival, drawing visitors in to taste the best of Puerto Rican cuisine. For many, it was also an opportunity to reconnect with their roots through flavor, evoking family memories and celebrations on the island.

(Story originally published in Spanish at Lowell Corazon Latino)