culture

Greek Agora Food Festival Brings Greek Culture to Cherry Hill

CHERRY HILL, NJ – The Greek Agora Food Festival, the largest food and wine festival in the Delaware Valley, returns from October 10 to 13, 2024, celebrating 50 years of tradition. Hosted by Saint Thomas Greek Orthodox Church, this annual event offers a vibrant showcase of Greek culture, featuring four days of food, wine, music, dance, and song. Since its inception in 1974, the festival has been a community favorite, offering guests the chance to immerse themselves in the flavors and traditions of Greece. Attendees can indulge in authentic Greek cuisine while enjoying live performances of traditional music and dance.

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Latino Festival of Monmouth County to Celebrate Culture with Music, Dance, and Food

FREEHOLD, NJ – On September 21, from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m., the Latino Festival of Monmouth County will bring the vibrant sights, sounds, and flavors of Latin American culture to 1 E Main Street in Freehold. This family-friendly event will feature musical performances, cultural displays, and a variety of attractions, offering something for everyone to enjoy. With a focus on celebrating Latino heritage, attendees can savor delicious Latin American cuisine while enjoying lively music and dance performances. Admission is free, making it a great opportunity to experience the rich culture and community spirit of Central Jersey’s Latino population.

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Smithville Italian Festival to Celebrate Italian Culture with Food, Music, and Fun

SMITHVILLE, NJ – On September 21, the Smithville Italian Festival will transform the historic village into a celebration of Italian culture from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Featuring an Italian market with a wide array of food and unique wares, the festival offers a day of excitement for visitors of all ages. Guests can enjoy live Italian music, folk dancing, bocce ball on the Greene, and plenty of children’s activities. With 50 charming shops, seven eateries, and family-friendly attractions like a carousel, train rides, and paddle boats, Historic Smithville promises a full day of entertainment. Admission is free, with a

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Linden’s 5th Annual Polish Festival to Celebrate Culture with Food, Music, and Family Fun

LINDEN, NJ – On September 21, from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., the City of Linden will host its 5th Annual Polish Festival on North Wood Avenue. Presented by Mayor Derek Armstead, Council President Michele Yamakaitis, and other local organizations, the festival will bring the Polish community together for a vibrant celebration of culture and heritage. Attendees can look forward to authentic Polish food, a beer and wine tent, Polish vendors, and live Polish music throughout the day. There will also be plenty of activities for children, making it a family-friendly event. Admission is free, offering a perfect opportunity to

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Linden Latin Festival to Celebrate Latin Music, Dance, and Culture

LINDEN, NJ – On September 15, the Linden Latin Festival will bring the community together for a vibrant celebration of Latin culture from 12 PM to 7 PM. Hosted by Mayor Derek Armstead, the City of Linden, and Uptown Linden Inc., this free event will take place along North Wood Avenue between East Elm Street and Elizabeth Avenue. Festival-goers can enjoy live Latin music, traditional dance performances, and a variety of Latin American cuisine, offering a taste of the culture’s rich heritage. With activities and entertainment for all ages, the Linden Latin Festival promises a lively and fun-filled day for

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Red Bank Hispanic Heritage Celebration to Honor Culture and Community

RED BANK, NJ – On September 15, the Red Bank Hispanic Heritage Celebration will bring the community together at Riverside Gardens Park from 3 PM to 7 PM. This vibrant event will feature live music, delicious food, vendors, and speakers to honor Hispanic culture and heritage. The celebration promises a lively atmosphere by the waterfront, with activities and performances that showcase the richness of Hispanic traditions. In the event of rain, the festivities will move indoors to the Red Bank Middle School, ensuring that the celebration goes on.

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Newark Puerto Rican Day Parade and Boricua Music Festival to Celebrate Culture and Heritage

NEWARK, NJ – On September 15, the streets of Newark will come alive with vibrant colors and music as the 63rd Annual Puerto Rican Day Parade takes place, followed by the Boricua Music Festival. Beginning along Bloomfield Avenue and culminating at 1st Avenue, this iconic parade celebrates Puerto Rican heritage and culture with festive floats, traditional music, and community pride. This year also marks the 10th anniversary of the parade’s revival, making the event extra special for participants and spectators. The celebration doesn’t stop with the parade—attendees can enjoy live music and entertainment at the Boricua Music Festival, making it

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Atlantic City Latino Festival Celebrates Hispanic Culture with Music and More

ATLANTIC CITY, NJ – The 2024 Atlantic City Latino Festival returns on Sunday, September 8, from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m., bringing a vibrant celebration of Hispanic culture to the Showboat Event Lot. This family-friendly event features an entertainment area for kids, authentic Hispanic food, and a variety of vendors, along with booths offering resources on health, education, and career opportunities. Headlining the festival is international Merengue star Oro Solido, who will perform alongside a diverse lineup of Mariachi, Salsa, Cumbia, and Folkloric dance groups. With free admission and $10 parking, this is an exciting and accessible event for all

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Belmar Feast of San Gennaro Celebrates Italian Culture and Cuisine

BELMAR, NJ – The Belmar Feast of San Gennaro returns to the Jersey Shore on Saturday, September 7, 2024, offering a day full of cultural and culinary delights. From 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., downtown Belmar will be transformed into a lively festival celebrating Italian heritage, open to all, regardless of ancestry. Visitors can indulge in authentic Italian food, enjoy live entertainment, and experience the rich traditions of the San Gennaro Feast. With free admission, the event welcomes everyone to join in the festivities and celebrate the vibrant spirit of Italian culture.

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St. Demetrios Greek Festival Returns for 47th Year of Culture and Celebration

UNION TOWNSHIP, NJ – The 47th Annual St. Demetrios Greek Festival kicks off on September 5, bringing a weekend of vibrant Greek culture to Union County. Running through September 8, this beloved festival offers a rich array of authentic Greek cuisine, including souvlaki and gyros, as well as delightful pastries and beverages, from ouzo to wine. In addition to the culinary experience, attendees can enjoy live music, traditional folk dancing, and a variety of rides and games. With admission at just $2 and free parking available, the festival at 721 Rahway Ave promises an affordable and exciting celebration for all

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Celebration of African and Black Diaspora Culture Draws Crowds in Newark

NEWARK, N.J. — The New Jersey African Restaurant Week Festival, a celebration of African and Black Diaspora food and culture, is currently underway, drawing food enthusiasts and cultural aficionados to the heart of Newark. The event, which started earlier this month and runs through Sunday, August 25, highlights the diverse culinary traditions and cultural heritage of African and Black communities. Participants have the opportunity to experience food and wine tastings from various regions of Africa and the Diaspora, providing a unique platform for local chefs and restaurants to showcase their offerings. The festival is also a significant occasion for small

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New Jersey Diner Culture is Alive and Well in Toms River

TOMS RIVER, NJ – If you’re in Toms River, NJ, and craving that classic diner experience, you’re in for a treat. This town is home to some top-notch diners where comfort food reigns supreme, and each has its own special flair. Toms River Diner is the quintessential Jersey diner. Located right on Route 37, this spot delivers everything you’d expect from a solid diner experience—great food, cozy vibes, and a staff that treats you like family. Their Eggs Benedict is a local favorite, and you can’t go wrong with a classic grilled cheese or their hearty home fries. It’s the

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Italian Festival in Ocean Township Celebrates Heritage and Culture

OCEAN TOWNSHIP, NJ — The Italian American Association of Ocean Township is hosting its annual Italian Festival at Joe Palaia Park, running from August 7 to 11. This popular event, which draws over 80,000 visitors each year, offers a vibrant celebration of Italian heritage and culture. Attendees can indulge in a wide array of traditional Italian foods while enjoying various family-friendly activities. The festival features rides, games, and live music, providing entertainment for visitors of all ages. The event is free to attend and takes place at Joe Palaia Park, Ocean Township, NJ. The festival promises an enriching experience filled

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Art of Surfing Festival: A Celebration of Surf Culture in Ocean City

OCEAN CITY, NJ—The Art of Surfing Festival, an annual celebration of surf culture, is set to take place from August 1 to August 3 at the Ocean City Music Pier, located at 813 Boardwalk. This free event will showcase a unique collection of original artwork, surfboards, and memorabilia. The festival features works primarily by local surfers, including both traditional art pieces and locally shaped surfboards. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet and interact with the artists, gaining insights into the inspirations behind their creations. In addition to the visual arts, the festival will also display classic surfboards and surf

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Puerto Rican Parade and Festival: A Two-Day Celebration of Culture and Pride

ELIZABETH, NJ — Join the celebration of Puerto Rican pride and culture at the 5th Annual Puerto Rican Parade and Two-Day Festival on July 13 and 14, from 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Veteran’s Memorial Waterfront Park in Elizabeth, New Jersey. This vibrant event features local organizations, floats, marching bands, horses, educators, honorees, marshals, dignitaries, and dance groups. The festival includes live music with well-known Latino headliners and local cover bands, along with rides, games, food trucks, and youth activities. With over 10,000 attendees expected, this event promises an unforgettable weekend of community and celebration. Location: Veteran’s Memorial Waterfront

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Flemington Opa! Festival Celebrates Greek Culture with Food and Entertainment

FLEMINGTON, NJ—The annual Flemington Opa! Festival is set to delight attendees from June 7 to June 9 at St. Anna Greek Orthodox Church, located at 85 Vorhees Corner Road. Held rain or shine, this vibrant event promises a rich taste of Greek culture through its cuisine, entertainment, and charitable efforts. Festival-goers can enjoy a variety of Greek dishes, either indoors or outdoors under a tent. The menu features classic oven-baked items along with popular grilled selections such as souvlaki and gyros. Complementing the feast are Greek pastries, coffee, and a selection of wine and beer. The festival is not just

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Experience Greek Culture at the Annual Bayshore Greek Fest

HOLMDEL, NJ—The Bayshore Greek Fest, a vibrant celebration of Greek culture, is set to take place from June 6 to June 9 at the Kimisis Tis Theotokou Greek Orthodox Church, located at 20 Hillcrest Road. This annual event invites everyone to enjoy a rich array of Greek cuisine, music, and traditional folk dances. Festival attendees will have the opportunity to indulge in a variety of gourmet Greek dishes, including lamb shanks, pastitsio, moussaka, and delectable pastries like tiropites (cheese pies) and spanakopites (spinach pies). The culinary experience is a major highlight, offering a taste of Greece’s famous flavors. Adding to

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Celebrate Caribbean Culture at the Jerk Food Festival

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ – Boyd Park will be bustling with the vibrant flavors and sounds of the Caribbean at the Jerk Food Festival, scheduled for May 26 from 1 PM to 8 PM. This lively event is a tribute to all things jerk—a cooking style native to Jamaica—offering a rich selection of foods from spicy jerk chicken to jerk pork, jerk fish, jerk goat, jerk oxtail, and even jerk ice cream. Food lovers will find plenty to savor with numerous food trucks and vendors showcasing authentic Caribbean cuisine. Beyond the culinary delights, the festival will feature an array of crafts

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New Jersey Awards $2 Million to Enhance Teacher Climate and Culture

TRENTON, NJ — The New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) has announced the allocation of nearly $2 million in grants aimed at improving teacher work environments and reducing burnout. The Teacher Climate and Culture Innovation Grants, part of Governor Phil Murphy’s initiative to address public school staff shortages, will support 18 school districts in their efforts to minimize administrative tasks and enhance classroom engagement. Governor Murphy emphasized the significance of supporting educators to benefit student learning and teacher retention. “Allowing educators to focus their time and attention on what matters most – educating and inspiring the next generation,” he stated.

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YouTuber Destroys Online Trolls and Cancel Culture With Simple Truth: They Don’t Matter

Greg Kinman, a popular YouTuber known as Hickok45, delivered a message this week to content creators, bloggers, and people who use social media platforms about the reality of online trolls and cancel culture. Known as a ‘Guntuber’, somebody who posts videos about guns, gun culture, gun reviews, and information related to the firearms industry, Kinman’s videos are watched by tens of millions of people annually. This week, he addressed hateful, derogatory, threatening, and bigoted comments on his channel. In doing so, he exposed the truth about the vocal minority, internet trolls, how they really don’t matter, and why you shouldn’t

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From Pee Wee to Tina; Ten People Who Died in 2023 Who Left a Mark on American Culture

The year 2023 marked the passing of several notable American figures, leaving a profound impact on various industries including entertainment, sports, and activism. This article pays tribute to their legacies, chronicling their remarkable journeys and enduring contributions. Bob Barker, best known as the charismatic host of “The Price Is Right,” passed away leaving behind a legacy in television spanning over five decades. Born on December 12, 1923, in Darrington, Washington, Barker became a household name with his signature catchphrase, “Come on down!” His career was not just limited to entertainment; he was also a passionate animal rights activist. Tina Turner,

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The 7 Wonders of the Jersey Shore: An Exploration of Heritage and Culture

The Jersey Shore is more than just a vacation destination; it’s a region steeped in history, culture, and iconic landmarks. While some might associate the Shore with sandy beaches and boardwalks, there’s a wealth of attractions that make this place unique. From architectural marvels to historic sites, the Jersey Shore boasts seven wonders that deserve exploration and admiration. In this blog post, let’s delve into these remarkable landmarks that stand as a testament to New Jersey’s rich heritage. Cape May Lighthouse Situated at the southern tip of New Jersey in Cape May Point State Park, the Cape May Lighthouse has

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Spring Lake Italian Festival Celebrates Culture and Community, Spaghetti Eating Contest

SPRING LAKE, NJ – The Greater Spring Lake Chamber of Commerce is hosting the Spring Lake Italian Festival, a day-long event on Morris Avenue filled with Italian food, live music, and family-friendly activities. Scheduled for September 23, the festival will feature a wine and beer garden alongside a range of Italian food specialties. Festival-goers can engage in a spaghetti eating contest, face painting, and balloon twisting. Additional attractions include a petting zoo, exciting vendors, and various activities for kids. Live music and dancing will also form part of the event’s entertainment lineup, providing a full day of cultural celebration and

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Analysis-Fixing oversight culture may be biggest challenge in averting future bank crises

By Douglas Gillison (Reuters) – As U.S. regulators start to overhaul the way they police lenders after three banks failed this year, they will have to address examiners’ hesitancy to raise red flags, a deep-seated problem that has plagued the system for years. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) this month released its review into the demise of First Republic Bank, the third official postmortem into the crisis which also felled Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) and New York’s Signature Bank. Each failed following depositor runs. The postmortems on why bank managers and regulators were not able to avert disaster reveal

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The Legacy of the Cranberry: Unveiling its Importance in New Jersey’s Culture and History

When people think about New Jersey, the iconic shorelines or the state’s urban landscapes might be the first things that come to mind. But beyond the bustling cities and beautiful beaches lies a berry that has been part of the state’s culture and history for centuries: the cranberry. Here’s a deep dive into why this fruit is more than just a side dish at Thanksgiving dinners and how it has remained an integral part of New Jersey’s identity. The Historical Roots The cultivation of cranberries in New Jersey dates back to the 19th century. Native Americans were already using the

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