Back to School ’80s Bash at Centro Romeu Cascaes Sat. Sept. 13, 2025

Get ready to rewind the clock and party like it’s 1985! On Saturday, September 13, 2025, the Centro Romeu Cascaes Portuguese American Community Center is throwing a throwback party you won’t want to miss. Doors open at 8:00 p.m., and the venue, located at 14 South Frank E. Rodgers Blvd, Harrison, NJ, will be decked out with all the ’80s flair: neon blossoms, pop culture references, bold fashion, and high-spirited school pride.

The spotlight turns to DJ Juan Miranda, spinning all your favorite hits from the decade of big hair, boomboxes, mixtapes, and electric rhythms. Think Madonna, Duran Duran, Prince, Michael Jackson — the works. Dress up in your raddest ’80s gear — leg warmers, acid wash jeans, neon jackets, teased hair — because there’s more than just bragging rights on the line. The best-dressed will walk away with a cash prize!

Whether you're a child of the ’80s, a more recent retro enthusiast, or just there for the fun, this is the ultimate throwback night. Neon outfits and school-spirit themes are highly encouraged to help set the tone. It’s going to be a night of nostalgia, laughter, dancing, and community — with that extra bit of flair that only the ’80s can provide.

About Centro Romeu Cascaes: A Pillar of Portuguese-American Culture in Harrison

The Centro Romeu Cascaes Portuguese American Community Center has served as a cultural and social hub in Harrison for decades. Its roots stretch back to a dream shared among members of the local Portuguese-American community. In 1988, a tribute dinner was held to honor Harrison Mayor Frank E. Rodgers, and at that gathering, Romeu Cascaes—already deeply involved with the Portuguese American Civic Association, the Portuguese Language School of Harrison, and Lodge 70 of the Portuguese Continental Union—proposed using proceeds from that event to find and build a home for a true community center.

Though Romeu Cascaes passed away in March of 1990, the vision persisted. At his funeral Mass, the community pledged to carry on his legacy. By February of 1991, with donations from the three founding organizations, a building was purchased on William Street, and the Centro Romeu Cascaes was officially established. Over the years, the center has expanded its reach, programs, and facilities. It now sits at its newer home at 14 No. Frank E. Rodgers Blvd, offering authentic Portuguese cultural programming, social events, a language school, community lunches, and much more. The building, a former home to the Knights of Columbus, has been renovated and features two banquet halls and an old school gym with exceptionally high ceilings.  Much of the work done at the Community Center has been done by tradespeople who are members of the organization. Volunteers have also played a crucial role in updating a building at the center of Harrison, NJ, which has been an integral part of the civic life of residents and the public for years and continues to do so.

More than just a meeting place, CRC (as it’s often called) is a bridge across generations. It preserves traditions — whether through Portuguese music, food, language, and dance while offering a warm space where newcomers, longtime residents, and people of all backgrounds can forge connections, celebrate culture, and participate actively in community life.

Mark your calendar: September 13, 2025 — Centro Romeu Cascaes’ Back to School ’80s Party promises to be the blast of the season. Bring your neon, bring your school spirit, bring your best moves — because this one’s going to be remembered.

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Graphic Courtesy of CRC.