Celebrate Peruvian-American Community With Parade & Flag Raisings

The Peruvian Civic Association of NJ Inc. (PCANJ) will host its Annual Peruvian Cultural Parade on Sunday, July 20, 2025, bringing together the vibrant spirit of the Peruvian-American community and the multicultural fabric of West Hudson. The festivities promise a joyful celebration of heritage, community, and solidarity.

🇵🇪 Peruvian Cultural Parade — Sunday, July 20, 2025

The highly anticipated parade will begin at 12:30 p.m. in Harrison, NJ, departing from Harrison Town Hall, 318 Harrison Avenue, and traveling north along Frank E. Rodgers Blvd. and Kearny Avenue, before concluding at Kearny Town Hall, 402 Kearny Avenue. The parade is expected to attract participants and spectators from across New Jersey and beyond, showcasing traditional Peruvian dance, music, and attire, along with colorful floats and performances.

Although the event highlights Peruvian heritage, it is proudly a multicultural celebration. PCANJ welcomes participation from all ethnic and cultural groups, continuing its tradition of inclusivity. Notably, the PCANJ and the United Irish of West Hudson maintain a reciprocal tradition of participating in each other’s parades — a unique and commendable bond between communities.

🇵🇪 Peruvian Flag Raising Ceremonies

In advance of the parade, a series of Peruvian Flag Raising Ceremonies will take place across the West Hudson region:

• Kearny, NJ
  📍 Peruvian Heritage Park (Passaic Ave & Peden Terrace)
  🕙 Saturday, July 12, 2025 – 10:00 a.m.

• Harrison, NJ
  📍 Harrison Town Hall, 318 Harrison Avenue
  🕙 Saturday, July 19, 2025 – 10:00 a.m.

• East Newark, NJ
  📍 East Newark Borough Hall, 34 Sherman Avenue
  🕛 Saturday, July 19, 2025 – 12:00 p.m.

These ceremonies are open to the public and serve as a proud moment for Peruvian Americans and all community members to come together in celebration of Peruvian Independence and cultural identity.

🇵🇪 Peruvian Heritage Picnic Festival — Status TBD

Traditionally, following the parade, the Peruvian Heritage Picnic Festival is held at the Frank A. Vincent Marina (277 Passaic Avenue, Kearny), featuring Peruvian cuisine, music, folk dance performances, and family-friendly entertainment. However, as of this writing, neither the PCANJ website nor their Facebook page confirms whether the festival will be held this year.

If the event proceeds, attendees are strongly encouraged to walk or carpool, as parking at the marina is extremely limited. Parking along Passaic Avenue is prohibited, but visitors may use side streets between Kearny Avenue and Passaic Avenue.

🤝 A Tradition of Solidarity

The PCANJ holds a respected position among West Hudson civic groups, not just for its cultural events, but for its demonstrated solidarity with other communities. In 2022, despite freezing weather and pandemic-related challenges, PCANJ members marched in the United Irish St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The following year, the United Irish returned the gesture, enduring extreme heat to march in the Peruvian Cultural Parade. These moments exemplify the unity and mutual respect that define West Hudson’s immigrant-rich identity.

🅿️ Parking Tips (If Festival Occurs)

• Avoid parking on Passaic Avenue

• Use side streets between Kearny Avenue and Passaic Avenue

• Carpool or walk if possible

• Arrive early to secure a convenient spot

Your Harrison invites the entire West Hudson community and beyond to experience the beauty of Peruvian culture on Sunday, July 20, 2025. Let’s honor the richness of our diverse communities and celebrate together in unity, pride, and joy.

Don’t forget:
📍 Kearny Flag Raising – July 12 at 10 a.m.
📍 Harrison Flag Raising – July 19 at 10 a.m.
📍 East Newark Flag Raising – July 19 at 12 noon

Stay tuned for updates on the Peruvian Heritage Picnic Festival and visit PCANJ's official platforms for the latest announcements.

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