From Palo Magazine
Palo Magazine will present the second annual El Boricuazo 2026 on Saturday, Sept. 19, from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., at GoggleWorks Center for the Arts – Thorn Alley, 201 Washington St., Reading, PA.
Held during Hispanic Heritage Month, El Boricuazo is more than a festival. It was created to preserve Puerto Rican culture and traditions while allowing younger generations to experience and celebrate their roots.
“Puerto Rican culture is an important part of the history and identity of our Latino community here in Berks County,” said Rosa Julia Parra, founder and CEO of Palo Magazine and creator of El Boricuazo. “As generations grow up away from the island, some of our traditions can slowly disappear. I want our children to hear our music, taste our food, understand our traditions, and feel proud of where they come from. For one day, we are bringing a little piece of Puerto Rico to Reading.”
A taste, sound, and feel of Puerto Rico
El Boricuazo 2026 will feature live Puerto Rican music, cultural performances, dancing, traditional foods, artists, vendors, family activities, and cultural displays.
Entertainment will include Los Bomberos de la Calle, a Philadelphia-based bomba and plena group led by Anthony Méndez; Pasión Tropical; Azotando el Mambo; Saulo Negrón and Cantar Campesino; and DJ Poli, along with WH Dance Academy cultural dancers and additional entertainment.
Guests will experience Puerto Rican traditions ranging from bomba, plena, and música jíbara to island favorites including alcapurrias, arroz con pernil, bacalaítos, pastelillos, traditional breads and sweets, piraguas, and Puerto Rican coffee. The event will also feature a domino area, Puerto Rican art, cultural displays, vendors, and children’s activities.
More than a festival — it’s cultural preservation
“El Boricuazo is our way of saying: this is who we are, this is where we come from, and these traditions deserve to continue,” Parra said. “We want our children to know the sounds of the coquí, understand our music, recognize our food, and feel proud of their roots.”
The inaugural El Boricuazo was held in 2025 and welcomed around 500 attendees. Following the community’s response, Palo Magazine expanded the celebration for 2026 and moved it to GoggleWorks Center for the Arts.
El Boricuazo 2026 is presented by Palo Magazine, with the support of sponsors and community partners, including title sponsor, Reading Hospital – Tower Health, and additional sponsors, Finanta, GoggleWorks Center for the Arts, Customers Bank, COCA, Reading Musical Foundation, United Insurance, Reading Furniture & Decor, Kuhn Funeral Home, City of Reading and Mayor Eddie Moran, iHeartRadio Rumba and RMF, along with additional community vendor supporters.
About Palo Magazine
Founded in 2010 by Rosa Julia Parra, Palo Magazine is a bilingual English-Spanish publication serving Berks County and surrounding communities. For more than 16 years, Palo Magazine has highlighted local businesses, community leaders, organizations, culture, and stories through its print and digital platforms.
“Every palo has a story.”
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