By: Najla Alexander
Happy Summer, RLS Metro Media friends and family! You’re girl Najla here, back with some absolutely fun festivals for the summer!
Latin Fest returned on Saturday, July 26, to Carteret, but this year in a new location: the Borough’s accessible Civic Center Park and Sports Complex at 272 Pershing Ave.
The venue change is due to ongoing construction improvements to Waterfront Park, the home of Latin Fest since 2018, Carteret officials say.
Presented by the Honorable Mayor Daniel J. Reiman, the Borough Council, and Carteret Business Partnership, Carteret Latin Fest was headlined by Dominican merengue star Mala Fe, whose hits included “La Vaca,” “Con el Pompi Pa’rriba,” and “Tra Tra.”
“Carteret is the most culturally diverse town in Central Jersey and the third most diverse town in all of New Jersey, with almost 40 percent of our community being of Hispanic descent,” Mayor Reiman said.
The fiesta was held from 4 to 11 p.m., with fireworks lighting up the sky at 9:15 p.m. Due to the festival's increasing popularity each year, this year was no different. So they had provided additional parking located where buses ran from 4 p.m. to midnight at the following locations:
-Carteret Middle School at Carteret Park on Carteret Avenue
-Minue School, 83 Post Blvd
This event also featured live music, popular DJs, a variety of Latin cuisine, a beer garden, fireworks, and cultural dances.
“Our annual Latin Fest is one of many celebrations of Carteret’s diversity. It has become one of the best-attended Latin festivals in the state and is a fantastic opportunity to educate our community through food, music, and cultural dances,” Mayor Reiman continued.
According to Carteret officials, considered to be one of the strongest voices in merengue today, Male Fe has churned out solid gold hits, which also include “A Lo Oscuro,” “El Jarro,” and “El Chivo."
Born Javier Gutierrez in Puerto Plata, Mala Fe began playing the congas and singing at the age of 8, and later joined his brother’s band, La Tropa, as a percussionist, officials stated. His 2000 solo debut album, “Con su Loguera,” reached No. 5 on the Billboard Latin chart based on the strength of the hit singles “La Vaca,” “El Jarro,” and “El Chivo.”
“Such a big turnout, I love it. On such a cool day, too,” a mom exclaimed.
“I think the festival was better held here this year at Civic Center Park, felt like there was more room for everybody,” a patron explained.
Other Latin Fest performers will include:
-Colombian cumbia greats La Sonora Dinamita performing favorites, such as “Qué Bello” and “Escándalo”
-Manole Y Su Orquesta – a salsa and tropical ensemble that records for the New York City-based independent label and is led by Dominican-born, NYC-based pianist-composer-arranger Manuel Perez
-Hot Central Jersey bachata band La Selección De La Bachata
- DJ Anthony Rey – host of “La Súper Mezcla de La X” on X96.3FM Latin radio
-MC Willie Will – The mic master of Latin Mix Masters show, aka “El Party Maker.”
My favorite part of the whole festival was, of course, the food while listening to the wonderful music!
Not only did you enjoy the music, but you also witnessed cultural dances in a variety of Latin styles, ranging from salsa to cumbia and música típica. It was a truly remarkable sight to behold. As well as a variety of Latin-style dishes, especially enjoyed, along with a beer garden.
Carteret always knows how to outdo themselves, and this year’s Latin fest, they really showed up for their Hispanic community, honoring their culture in the best way they could. A celebration of dance and music while being together as one. Such a good feeling. 
Until next time, RLS Metro Media friends and family, have a fantastic summer and remember to have fun!