Fiestas Patronales returns to Holyoke for fifth annual event

Guests celebrate Fiestas Patronales last year in Holyoke.
Photo credit: Fiestas Patronales Facebook page

HOLYOKE — Holyoke will once again host its signature four-day celebration, Fiestas Patronales de Holyoke, to showcase a portion of the rich cultural diversity that defines the city.

Starting Thursday, July 30, and ending Sunday, Aug. 2, the cultural extravaganza will feature live music, food, family activities and dance of some of the cultures that make up the community at Heritage Park on Dwight Street. The event will occur from 5-10 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, and noon to 10 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

The event is hosted by Nueva Esperanza, Inc., a community development organization dedicated to meeting the needs of the entire Puerto Rican/Afro-Caribbean community. As part of the ongoing efforts to celebrate and preserve Puerto Rican culture, Fiesta Patronales honors a different town in Puerto Rico each year.

This year’s celebration recognizes Naranjito, Puerto Rico, a town known for its volleyball tradition. The sport of volleyball was introduced in 1915 by two American teachers, and Reverend Howard T. Jason helped spread the sport by organizing games and tournaments.

Holyoke officials announced that a delegation from Naranjito will attend the festival, including Mayor Orlando Ortiz Chevres, members of the town council, public safety officials, tourism representatives and state Rep. Axel “Chino” Roque Gracia. A delegation from Salinas, Holyoke’s sister city, will also attend and bring a volleyball team to compete in the second annual Sister City Volleyball Game.

As part of the celebration, Mayor Joshua Garcia and community partners will host a special Puerto Rico Volleyball Exhibit grand showing at the International Volleyball Hall of Fame on Thursday, July 30. Doors will open at 11 a.m., with the formal program beginning at noon. The exhibit will showcase the deep history, achievements and cultural significance of volleyball throughout Puerto Rico and highlight the contributions of Puerto Ricans to the global sport.

The grand opening honors Puerto Rico’s volleyball legacy and the longstanding relationship between Holyoke and Puerto Rico. The exhibit showcases the history of volleyball in Puerto Rico through historic artifacts and profiles of legendary athletes, coaches and leaders. It was researched and organized by Holyoke resident Jimmy Camacho over several years after he embarked on multiple trips through Puerto Rico to collect photographs and the stories behind them. The exhibit was designed and fabricated by Gaddier Rosario Fine Art Studio. Representatives from the Puerto Rico Volleyball Hall of Fame, led by President Pedrito Rodríguez and Vice President Raful Rodríguez, along with guests from the municipalities of Naranjito and Salinas, will also join the celebration.

The mayor of Salinas and a delegation of community members will travel to Holyoke and bring a volleyball team to compete in the Second Annual Sister City Volleyball Game. Last year, Holyoke claimed the inaugural victory. The Sister City volleyball game will take place on Thursday, July 30, at Holyoke High School. Doors open at 3 p.m. and the first serve is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.

Following the events, both visiting delegations will join residents and visitors at Holyoke’s annual Fiestas Patronales to participate in the city’s signature cultural celebrations that bring together music, food, family activities, arts, community organizations and Puerto Rican traditions.

“Holyoke has the most Puerto Ricans living in it per capita outside of the island itself and has always been strongly connected to Puerto Rico through family, culture and community. To welcome leaders from Naranjito and our sister city of Salinas during Fiestas Patronales is a reminder that these relationships are living and growing,” Garcia said. “This year’s celebration reflects not only our shared Puerto Rican heritage, but also our shared love for volleyball, community pride and bringing people together. We invite everyone, whether you’re a volleyball enthusiast or want to enjoy international music and food during the festival; we look forward to welcoming you to Holyoke.”

Holyoke is home to Massachusetts’ first Puerto Rican Cultural District and only the second in the nation. Organizers say Fiestas Patronales has grown into the largest Latino cultural event in Western Mass.

The festival will also continue its Miss Fiestas Patronales competition for the third year, featuring Little Miss, ages 7-10; Teen Miss, ages 11-14; and Miss, ages 15-18 divisions.

This event celebrates young individuals who embody pride, charisma and leadership within the community, according to organizers of the event.

To sponsor Fiestas Patronales, volunteer or see the full schedule for the weekend, readers can visit nuevaofholyoke.org/fiestaspatronales or the Fiestas Patronales de Holyoke Facebook page.