Thousands Celebrate Cape Verdean, Latin American Independence Festivals Across U.S.

Several cultural festivals celebrating Latin American and Caribbean heritage took place recently across the Northeastern United States. In Onset, Massachusetts, thousands gathered at the annual Cape Verdean festival to celebrate family, culture, and the 50th anniversary of Cape Verde's independence from Portugal, with many attendees reconnecting with relatives and honoring their ancestral roots. In New Haven, Connecticut, the city held its ninth annual Puerto Rican Festival themed "Nuestras Raíces" to celebrate Puerto Rican culture and history, featuring traditional music, dances, and food, with strong community support and safety reminders from local officials. Meanwhile, in Long Island City, Queens, a vibrant rooftop party was organized to honor Ecuadorian Independence and the Dominican Day Parade, offering diverse Latin music genres and an energetic atmosphere for attendees. These events underscore the importance of cultural heritage celebrations in fostering community unity and pride among Latino and Caribbean populations in the U.S.