The Aurora Puerto Rican Cultural Council invites the community to celebrate Puerto Rican culture, history and pride during Aurora Puerto Rican Heritage Week, taking place July 18 through July 26 at locations throughout Aurora.
“For more than five decades, Aurora’s Puerto Rican community has come together to preserve our traditions, celebrate our culture and share that pride with the entire city,” said APRCC President Evette Quiles. “Heritage Week gives families, longtime residents and new generations an opportunity to celebrate together and carry our heritage forward.”
Puerto Rican Pre-Fest, Saturday, July 18, 7 p.m. to midnight, Two Brothers Roundhouse, 205 N. Broadway, Aurora.
Heritage Week begins with a community celebration featuring live music, dance performances, family-friendly fun and festival-week energy. Admission and parking are free.
Cuentos y Cafecito, Tuesday, July 21, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Aurora Public Library, Santori Branch, 101 S. River St., Aurora.
Guests are invited to an inspiring evening of stories, culture and community featuring members of the Puerto Rican Royal Court sharing traditions and meaningful conversations.
Parranda in July, Thursday, July 23, 5:30 p.m., McCarty Mills Taproom and Bottleshop, 140 S. River St., Suite 108, Aurora.
This family-friendly gathering invites the community to dine, drink and sing with APRCC. The evening will feature Puerto Rican food, coquito, music and special guest Casita Boricua.
Raising of the Puerto Rican Flag, Friday, July 24, 11 a.m., 44 E. Downer Place, Downtown Aurora.
APRCC will join local leaders, community members and families for the annual Raising of the Puerto Rican Flag. The ceremony honors the history, contributions and cultural legacy of Puerto Ricans in Aurora and officially opens festival weekend.
54th Aurora Puerto Rican Heritage Festival, Sunday, July 26, noon to 9 p.m., Wilder Park, 350 N. River St., Aurora.
Heritage Week will culminate with the 54th Aurora Puerto Rican Heritage Festival, one of Aurora’s longest-running cultural celebrations.
The festival will offer a full day of live music, dancing, Puerto Rican food, local vendors, cultural experiences, children’s activities and community pride. The opening ceremony begins at 12:30 p.m..
Guests can enjoy Puerto Rican flavors and festival favorites in the food court, shop for arts, crafts, apparel, jewelry, handmade goods and cultural items, and visit participating community organizations. Family-friendly activities will also be available in the kid’s area.
General admission is $5, and children ages 5 and younger are admitted free. Free parking will be available. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs. Outside food, beverages and coolers are not permitted.
Complete Heritage Week and festival information is available at auroraprcc.org/events and auroraprcc.org/festival.
-Aurora Puerto Rican Cultural Council