Heritage

Here’s What Kamala Harris Thinks of Columbus Day and Italian American Heritage

As Columbus Day arrives, Vice President Kamala Harris faces renewed scrutiny over remarks she made in 2021 that could become a point of contention during the 2024 election. In a speech to the National Congress of American Indians, Harris criticized the traditional celebration of Columbus Day, emphasizing the devastating impact of European explorers on Indigenous peoples. Her message is simple. Columbus Day is an American celebration of the carnage of the native American people. “Since 1934, every October, the United States has recognized the voyage of the European explorers who first landed on the shores of the Americas. But that

Read more

Columbus Day and Italian Heritage Still Under Fire In New Jersey, America’s Second Largest Italian State

Columbus Day, celebrated on the second Monday of October, holds special significance for the large Italian-American population in New Jersey. With over 17% of the state’s residents tracing their roots back to Italy, this day goes beyond honoring Christopher Columbus—it serves as a celebration of Italian heritage and cultural pride. New Jersey’s Strong Italian American Background In towns across New Jersey, from Hoboken to Atlantic City, Columbus Day has long been marked by parades, festivals, and community events that pay tribute to the contributions of Italian-Americans. These festivities often include traditional Italian food, music, and the celebration of the shared

Read more

Germania Park Oktoberfest to Celebrate German Heritage with Music, Food, and Tradition

DOVER, NJ – On September 21 and 22, Germania Park will host its annual Oktoberfest, offering a lively celebration of German culture with traditional food, beer, and live German music. This long-standing event, dedicated to preserving German heritage since 1895, will also feature the vibrant Steuben Parade, adding to the festival’s festive atmosphere. With admission priced at $5 and free entry for children under 12, families can enjoy a weekend filled with cultural festivities. Parking is free, and the event operates on a cash-only basis, with ATMs available on site. Germania Park promises a fun and authentic Oktoberfest experience for

Read more

Wildwood Crest Seafarers Celebration to Honor Maritime Heritage with Festive Flair

WILDWOOD CREST, NJ – On September 21, the Wildwood Crest Seafarers Celebration will take over Sunset Lake, offering a full day of festivities from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. This beloved event celebrates the rich maritime heritage of the area with live music, mouth-watering seafood, and a variety of craft vendors. Set along New Jersey Avenue from Rambler Road to Miami Avenue, the festival will also feature family-friendly activities, ensuring fun for all ages. The Seafarers Celebration is a perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and community spirit of Wildwood Crest, with free admission making it accessible

Read more

North Wildwood Irish Fall Festival Brings Heritage and Celebration to the Jersey Shore

NORTH WILDWOOD, NJ – From September 19 to 22, the Jersey Shore will come alive with the sights and sounds of Irish culture at the annual North Wildwood Irish Fall Festival. Known as one of the largest Irish festivals in the country, this beloved event promises a weekend filled with traditional dancing, live music, food, and craft vendors celebrating Irish heritage. In addition to the entertainment, attendees can enjoy a variety of activities, including a golf tournament, Irish dance lessons, a 5K run and 1-mile walk, and a pipe band exhibition. The festival’s highlight is the grand parade on Sunday,

Read more

New Jersey State Police celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at West Trenton headquarters

TRENTON, N.J. — New Jersey State Police kicked off Hispanic Heritage Month with a celebration at Division Headquarters in West Trenton on Friday, according to a statement from the department. The event, led by Colonel Patrick Callahan and members of the New Jersey Latino American Trooper Society (NJLATS), drew a large turnout of both enlisted officers and civilian personnel. Attendees were treated to traditional cuisine and an opportunity to experience the rich Latino culture. The celebration comes as part of Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from September 15 to October 15. The monthlong observance honors the contributions of Hispanic and

Read more

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.

Read more

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

Read more

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

Read more

St. Ann’s Festival Celebrates Italian Heritage in Hoboken

HOBOKEN, N.J. — The annual St. Ann’s Festival will take place from July 24 to 28 on the streets surrounding St. Ann Church, located at 704 Jefferson Street. The festival features Italian food, including the renowned St. Ann’s zeppole, as well as music, rides, crafts, a beer garden, raffles, and games. Nightly entertainment will be provided on two stages, offering a variety of performances for attendees. A significant highlight of the festival is the Feast Day Mass on July 26, followed by a procession through the streets with a 600-pound statue of St. Ann. The festival is free to attend

Read more

Newark Celebrates Caribbean Heritage with Taste of the Caribbean Festival

NEWARK, NJ – The City of Newark Caribbean Commission invites everyone to join in the celebration of Caribbean American Heritage Month at the Taste of the Caribbean Festival on Saturday, June 29th, from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. Held at Mulberry Commons on Mulberry Street, this festival promises a vibrant showcase of Caribbean culture through food, activities for children, and more. Admission to the Taste of the Caribbean Festival is free, offering attendees an opportunity to indulge in authentic Caribbean cuisine and enjoy family-friendly activities in a lively atmosphere. The event highlights Newark’s rich cultural diversity and honors the contributions

Read more

Celebrate Lebanese Heritage at the 38th Annual Lebanese Festival in Somerset

SOMERSET, NJ—The 38th Annual Lebanese Festival, locally known as Mahrajan, will take place from June 7 to June 9 at 526 Easton Avenue. This renowned event invites the community to come together for a vibrant celebration of Lebanese culture through food, music, and dance. Festival-goers can savor an array of traditional Lebanese dishes including falafel, shawarma, hummus, spinach pies, tabouli, and stuffed grape leaves. A tempting variety of Middle Eastern pastries will also be available for those with a sweet tooth. Each day of the festival will feature live music with performances by different singers, alongside dancing and folkloric shows

Read more

Rockland County DA’s Office Celebrates Irish Heritage at Friendly Sons of Saint Patrick Annual Dinner

ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY – The Rockland County District Attorney’s Office participated in the 26th Annual Dinner of the Friendly Sons of Saint Patrick, held at the Pearl River Hilton. District Attorney Tom Walsh and Chief Assistant District Attorney Patrick Frawley were in attendance at this prestigious event. The evening honored Terry Moore, the esteemed CEO of The Union Alliance, recognized for his significant contributions to labor and customized healthcare solutions. Moore’s career began with an apprenticeship at the Local 46 Metallic Lathers Union in 1981, leading to various leadership roles within the union, including Business Agent and Business Manager. His

Read more

Construction in Evesham Township’s Heritage Development Leads to Daily Detours

Evesham Township, NJ – Residents of Evesham Township are advised to prepare for ongoing construction within the Heritage development, which will necessitate daily detours to facilitate the project’s completion. The Evesham Township Police Department has announced that proper detour signage will be in place to assist those navigating through the affected neighborhood. Since the construction involves multiple streets, the detour routes will be regularly changed to accommodate the progressing work. To aid residents and visitors, officers will be stationed on-site to provide assistance with directions and address any questions regarding the detours.Radnor Boulevard and Caldwell Avenue are identified as the

Read more

Somerset County Commissioners Honor National Muslim Heritage Month

Somerset County, NJ – In a meaningful recognition of diversity and cultural contributions, the Somerset County Board of Commissioners celebrated National Muslim Heritage Month this January. This annual event is dedicated to acknowledging and learning about the significant contributions of Muslims throughout history, as well as their current impact in local communities and the county at large. An event marking this celebration saw the participation of key figures from Somerset County. Among those pictured were Somerset County Commissioner Melonie Marano; Meher Rafiq, a member of the Franklin Heritage Muslim Heritage Month Committee; Somerset County Surrogate Bernice “Tina” Jalloh; and Committee

Read more

Fatal Shooting at Heritage Acres Apartments Parking Lot

SUFFOLK, VA – A fatal shooting occurred early Monday at the Heritage Acres Apartments, Suffolk. Around 2:45 a.m., police were alerted to a man with a gunshot wound in the apartment complex’s parking lot. On arrival, they found 26-year-old Devon Eason of Suffolk deceased near a black vehicle. The investigation, which lasted several hours, focused on the black vehicle, exhibiting a smashed windshield and bullet holes. The vehicle was later towed from the scene. Local resident Amir Humphries expressed his frustration and surprise at the shooting, noting the area’s generally peaceful reputation. No suspect information has been released by the

Read more

Australian copper miner Sandfire says damaged Aboriginal cultural heritage

By Melanie Burton MELBOURNE (Reuters) -Global miner Sandfire said on Thursday it had damaged Aboriginal cultural heritage at a copper mine in Western Australia, and that it had informed the traditional owners and the state’s heritage regulator. Damage to an artefact scatter at the operations occurred in 2017 and 2018 due to a series of process failures during the mine’s construction, Sandfire said in a statement to the Australian stock exchange on Thursday. “Sandfire prides itself on being a values based organisation and we are extremely sorry to have disturbed artefact scatter within the Monty mining lease during construction and

Read more

Explore New Jersey’s Haunted Heritage and History As Halloween Draws Near

New Jersey is pulling out all the stops this Halloween season with a line-up of terrifying attractions that span from campgrounds to asylums. There’s a lot of spooky fun around the state and the folks at VisitNJ have compiled a frightening list. For aficionados of 1980s horror movies, Crystal Lake Tours in Hardwick offers exclusive guided tours of the original filming location for the cult classic, “Friday the 13th.” Given the tour’s high demand, securing tickets early is advised; previous events have sold out in as little as eight seconds. High Ratings for Asylum and Farm Experiences Brighton Asylum in

Read more

Does Phil Murphy Get Points Back For Recognizing Columbus Day, Italian Heritage?

TRENTON, NJ – When it comes to Columbus Day or Indigenous People’s Day, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy is caught between a rock and a hard place. New Jersey has a large population of Italian Americans. Many of them are also Democrats who don’t approve of their party’s agenda to eliminate Christopher Columbus, or Italian Culture from the New Jersey history books. Governor Phil Murphy has walked a tightrope on the topic while his party calls for the complete deletion of Columbus from the history books, he supports Columbus Day, but not the statues, but he supports Indigenous People’s Day,

Read more

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

Read more

Belleville Kicks Off Hispanic Heritage Month with Annual Softball Game

BELLEVILLE, IL – Belleville and the Puerto Rico Police Departments faced off in a softball game last night to celebrate the start of Hispanic Heritage Month. The event was held at Clearman Field on Union Ave and marked the first night in a series of games between the two police departments. The next game is scheduled for Friday tonight at 6pm at the same location. Hispanic Heritage Month is an annual observance recognizing the contributions and accomplishments of Americans with ancestral roots in Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. The event brings the community together each September,

Read more

Cardinal Tobin Celebrates Annual Hispanic Heritage Mass in Newark

NEWARK, NJ – Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin led the Archdiocese of Newark Hispanic Ministry’s annual Hispanic Heritage Mass on September 8 at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart. The ceremony was a vibrant display of cultural heritage and religious devotion, drawing 600 attendees. The event began with a lively procession featuring parishioners in colorful cultural attire, carrying flags of Hispanic nations and banners honoring the Blessed Virgin Mary. The cathedral was filled with Catholics from various backgrounds, some waving flags and others dressed in traditional garb. In his homily, Cardinal Tobin emphasized the role of the Virgin Mary as

Read more

Explainer-Western Australia ditches Aboriginal heritage protection act

By Melanie Burton MELBOURNE (Reuters) – Western Australia state has scrapped new Aboriginal heritage protection laws after just five weeks because of opposition from landowners. The decision, denounced by Indigenous groups, comes in the run-up to an increasingly divisive referendum on whether to give Indigenous people a greater say over polices that affect them. THE DECISION * Western Australia will overturn its 2021 Aboriginal cultural heritage protection laws, introduced after the destruction of the ancient Juukan Gorge rock shelters, after opposition from farmers and landowners. * The Indigenous group whose shelters were legally destroyed by mining giant Rio Tinto in

Read more

Rio Tinto has more work to do, cultural heritage audit finds

MELBOURNE (Reuters) – Rio Tinto has more work to do to protect Indigenous cultural heritage at its mines around the world, according to an independent audit of its practices, the world’s biggest iron ore miner said on Monday. Rio Tinto commissioned the audit as part of a pledge to overhaul its practices after it destroyed culturally significant rock shelters at Juukan Gorge in Western Australia for an iron ore mine in 2020. The report noted improved practices particularly at Rio’s iron ore operations but found it needed to more consistently meet best practice standards, which includes co-designing mining plans with

Read more