It’s hard not to feel the rich, vibrant Hispanic culture in Hammonton whether it’s through visuals, movements or taste, the community celebrates the culture in so many different ways especially in September and October.
Let’s begin with the reds, whites, and blues of two American flags — those of the United States and of Puerto Rico. The flags were raised high in the air on the last Sunday of August, as the Hammonton community listened to Zucky Morales sing two national anthems, the Star-Spangled Banner and La Borinqueña. She was one of many women at the Puerto Rican Civic Association’s 64th annual festival dressed in a festive jíbara ensemble – its white blouse, billowing red skirt, and blue sash, a gorgeous symbol of her heritage.
The Puerto Rican Civic Association of Hammonton (PRCA) exists to represent and provide community for the town’s considerable Puerto Rican population. The president of PRCA, Edwin Negroni, was presented with a proclamation of recognition from a councilman and two state assemblymen, and was given a donation by the Atlantic County sheriff. After the ceremony, the fiesta began — food, music, and fun for two weekends back-to-back on Old Forks Road in the heart of Hammonton.
It was another successful entry in what has become a yearly tradition in Hammonton and while the PRCA celebration may have ended on Sept. 3, the fiesta was only the beginning.
Hispanic Heritage Month starts on Sept. 15 and runs through Oct. 15. This month-long span encompasses the independence days of many countries historically colonized by Spain, including Mexico, Chile, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua.
Hammonton offered a wide variety of events to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month,
which kicked off Sept 15, 23.
What that means for South Jersey residents is an opportunity to learn, appreciate, and celebrate Hispanic cultures and their contributions to our own.
Hammonton offered a wide variety of events to celebrate. The township hosted a Hispanic Heritage Month kick-off on Sept. 15 that took place from 5 to 8 p.m. on South Second Street, which detailed what was to come during the month.
And those events included an art exhibit featuring the work of local Hispanic artists, as well as featuring local handcrafters selling their art and wares. Kids got a chance to participate by making crafts of their own.
Folks got a chance to see the traditional dresses of varying Latin American cultures up close, and dancers will perform cultural danzas y bailes. Poetry readings captured the spirit of Hispanic cultural heritage and pride.
For those who looked for something more fast-paced, a friendly soccer tournament was held as well as a chance to break a piñata. That’s right!
The Third Thursday in Hammonton in September was dedicated to Hispanic heritage. The Noyes Museum of Art, located in Stockton University’s Kramer Hall, hosted a workshop from 5 to 7 p.m., instructing attendees on how to make mosaic coasters in the style of Spanish artist Antoni Gaudi.
Hammonton Arts Center on 2nd Street offered ceramic painting. Diego Rojas from Convivir Hub displayed his art at the Casciano Coffee Bar & Sweetery, and special Mexican hot chocolates was served. Yum! Artworks by Hispanic artists were on display throughout Downtown Hammonton.
Let’s talk about delicious eats before during one’s mid-day siesta. Hammonton is home to plenty of Latin American restaurants.
If your tastebuds want to travel south of the border, Marquez Mexican Grill on 8 Railroad Ave. can fill your cravings for tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and more. Fiesta Mexicana on 12th Street is an excellent option for authentic Mexican cuisine, with a full bar with an extensive list of tequilas to boot. El Mariachi Loco is a quaint venue on Bellevue Avenue, offering a large menu that will suit diners of every taste. You may have seen the Tacos Al Carbon food truck at different events; currently, it’s parked at 107 Peach St. Support a newer, family-owned business, and try a taste of Puerto Rico, by visiting El Morro on Egg Harbor Road. Finish off with authentic dessert at La Zacatecana right next door, serving ice cream, strawberries and cream and fried bananas, and elotes and esquites, Mexican street foods made from corn. Mouth-watering Yum!
So whether it was through visuals, movements or taste, there was plenty of ways to celebrate the Hispanic heritage culture in Hammonton.
