EAST HARLEM, Manhattan (PIX11) — The 116th Street Festival, a large celebration of Puerto Rican and Hispanic culture featuring food and live music, will take place in East Harlem this weekend.
The 39th year of the 116th Street Festival will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. In addition to food, the festival will have three stages with live music performances from artists.
Hundreds of businesses are gearing up for the festival, which is expected to draw hundreds of thousands of people. It’s a huge boost for Hispanic-owned businesses.
Danny Garcia, the owner of Salsa Caterers on Fifth Avenue and 117th Street, will have his business participating in the festival this year. Garcia said it’s been a difficult few years trying to keep growing his business, but what saved it was the support from his community and the city, as well as his delicious food.
Nick Lugo, the president of the New York City Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, said the festival gets more exciting each year — and the list of businesses taking part keeps growing.
Cindy Estrada, the executive director of the New York City Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, said the event brings together the community and inspires the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Ken Starrrz is a social media influencer who calls himself the mayor of the festival. He said it’s the power of the youth that is driving the community forward.
