From tacos to dancing: What to expect at New Bedford's Patio de Comidas Series this month

NEW BEDFORD — The last two Patio de Comidas events of the summer are set to take place in Riverside Park, along the bank of the Acushnet River, on Aug. 17 and 24. The final event coincides with the Festival Tipico de Guatemala, a celebration of Guatemalan culture through music, dance, art, and of course food.

The Patio de Comidas, which takes place almost every Saturday during the summer, is an outdoor food fair featuring Central American and other cuisine common in Spanish-speaking countries.

This year marks the fourth year of the event, which has grown from a small pilot program into an eagerly anticipated series, boasting over a dozen food and merchandise vendors as well as entertainment and children's activities in August.

"It's been an amazing journey to see the Patio de Comidas grow and become such a hit at Riverside Park," says Corinn Williams, Executive Director of the Community Economic Development Center (CEDC).

"It all started with a pilot program aimed at helping Latin American residents navigate New Bedford's health and safety regulations to become local food vendors. The response was overwhelming and the program has only continued to thrive."

What to expect when attending

On any given Saturday, the event sees 400-600 visitors, most of whom are Central Americans who come to enjoy the diverse food options and other amenities at Riverside Park. In addition to delicious food such as Tacos Guatemaltecco, Tacos Mexicano, and Carne Asada, visitors can also cool off with an ice-cold lemonade or a traditional frozen fruit drink called a granizada.

The Patio de Comidas doesn't just offer food though, it also features activities for both adults and kids, including painting workshops, a Central American clown, a children's book walk, and traditional Mayan dancing. However, the highlight of the summer is undoubtedly the Festival Tipico de Guatemala, held on Aug. 24.

"The Festival Tipico de Guatemala is an opportunity for the New Bedford Guatemalan community to come together and celebrate their culture right here in our city," says Brian Pastori, Deputy Director of the CEDC.

What to expect on Aug. 24

"This year, we have a fantastic lineup of artists, including DJ Lorenzo, singer and guitarist Manuel Torres, and saxophonist Saxo-Chon. We also have local bands and dance troupes performing traditional songs and dances, showcasing the rich and vibrant Guatemalan culture."

The festival features a variety of activities for all ages, such as games, a payaso (clown), and authentic merchandise from Guatemala. Visitors can also indulge in delicious and authentic food from Central America, including Tacos Guatemaltecco, Carne Asada, Pupusas, and more.

This year, the festival promises to be bigger and better than ever, with more dancers from Convite Trixeno USA, elaborate costumes, and a vibrant atmosphere that truly represents the spirit of Guatemala.

For updates and schedule changes, visit Facebook.com/LoveTheAve .

Standard-Times staff writer Seth Chitwood can be reached at schitwood@s-t.com . Find out more about him at sethchitwood.com . Support local journalism by purchasing a digital or print subscription to The Standard-Times today.

This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: From tacos to dancing: What to expect at New Bedford's Patio de Comidas Series this month