Ushering in the holiday season, Casita Maria, in partnership with Urban Health Plan, the Southern Boulevard BID, Bronx Community Board 2, and Hunts Point Community Partnership, will present a Holiday Parranda on Friday, December 03, 2021, from 03:00 to 04:30 p.m. Performing artists Dr. Drum with BombaYo will sing traditional Aguinaldos in keeping with parranda custom. Starting at the Hunts Point Library, a two float procession will travel to Urban Health Plan and back, ending with a holiday tree lighting and performance from the Casita Maria Children’s Choir at 05:00 p.m. in the St. Athanasius Church Courtyard.
Following last year’s parranda, where onlookers of all ages leaned out windows and danced from sidewalks, this year’s event will feature an additional float in the lineup. Embellished with holiday decorations, one float will serve as a stage for Dr. Drum with BombaYo, while the other will carry community partners dressed in holiday costumes. Casita Maria plans to distribute song sheets to invite community members to sing along with the parranda as it passes by.
Haydee Morales, Executive Director of Casita Maria says “The parranda offers Hunts Point children, families and friends an avenue for creating lasting memories while honoring our traditions.”
While driving through the streets of Hunts Point, the parranda will travel at roughly 1 mph. After departing from the Hunts Point Library, it will make one stop at Urban Health Plan at 1065 Southern Boulevard. The parranda will return to the St. Athanasius Church Courtyard via Southern Boulevard by 04:30 p.m. for the tree lighting and choir performance at 05:00 p.m.
The Bronx community is encouraged to attend the parranda and tree lighting ceremony.
About Community Board 2
Our community board proudly serves Hunts Point, Longwood and portions of the Morrisania neighborhoods. We are devoted to the public safety, health and wellness of the entire community district.
For more information, please visit Bxcb2.org.
Hunts Point Community Partnership:
Supported by the Hunts Point Alliance for Children and funded through ACS, the Hunts Point Community Partnership focuses on connecting families with organizations that directly advocate for and serve the community. The Hunts Point Community Partnership identifies community needs and makes connections to strengthen families and their access to services. In addition, the Community Partnership team is responsible for the facilitation and coordination of Our Children’s Journey, a new initiative developed by community residents and partners.
For more information, please visit here.
About Southern Boulevard Business Improvement District:
The Southern Blvd Business Improvement District promotes the growth, vitality, and visibility of the premiere commercial corridor in the Hunts Point & Longwood community. We work with and advocate for the small businesses and property owners on Southern Boulevard between 163rd St & 167th St while engaging the South Bronx community through direct outreach and diverse programming to generate local economic growth.
For more information, please visit sobobid.org.
About Urban Health Plan
We are a not-for-profit system of twelve health centers, one mental health center, twelve school-based health centers and three part-time clinics, located in New York City’s South Bronx, Corona, Queens and Central Harlem communities. Founded in 1974 by Dr. Richard Izquierdo, a local physician, We provide care to patients, regardless of their ability to pay. UHP provides comprehensive and affordable primary and specialty health care services to all the communities we serve. These include the Latino, African-American, South Asian and West African communities, as well as other emerging communities. In 2020, we had more than 80,000 patients with more than 400,000 visits. We employ 865 associates and providers.
For more information, please visit here.
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About Casita Maria Center For Arts & Education
Casita Maria Center For Arts & Education is the first and oldest Latino 501(c)(3) charity in NYC, founded in 1934.
The South Bronx-based community arts and educational organization presents diverse, contemporary visual and performing arts and education programming for all ages.
Casita Maria creates a safe and welcoming community, enriching and uplifting youth and families towards success, through shared cultural, art and educational experiences and programs.
Location:
Casita Maria Center For Arts & Education
928 Simpson Street
Bronx, NY 10459
Tel.: 718-589-2230
E–mail: info@casitamaria.org
