WEST ORANGE, NJ – West Orange’s Noche Latina, or Latin Night, brought the community together to celebrate the cultural diversity and beauty of its many Latino residents.

“West Orange's Noche Latina/Latin Night, was presented by the West Orange Hispanic Foundation, The West Orange Public Schools World Languages and ESL Department, and Holy Trinity Episcopal Church,” began World Languages Supervisor Felix Plata.

It was organized by Felix Plata, Father Miguel Hernandez, Deputy Mayor Rodolfo Rodriguez, Rochell Alves, Pamela Beardslee Alfaro, Sintya Falero, Madeline Machuca, and Isabel Castro, as well as all board members of the West Orange Hispanic Foundation and active members of the West Orange community. . 

“Our goal was to host a unifying, fun, family event that united not only the Latino community of West Orange, but shared the music, food, and dance with the greater diverse community of West Orange and surrounding areas,” explained Plata.

“It was wonderful to see people of all ages dancing, playing, singing, eating, and sharing an amazing experience with their neighbors through the theme of Hispanic heritage. We know that events such as this are an important way for people of diverse backgrounds to learn about each other, grow from each other, and feel appreciated by each other,” he went on to say.  

Mayor Susan McCartney, councilpersons Michelle Casalino, Tammy Williams and Susan Scarpa, Superintendent Hayden Moore, WOHS Principal Oscar Guerrero, Athletic Director Stephan Zichella, RMS Asst. Principal Olivia Betances, and many other community notables were in attendance to enjoy the evening. Performances, vendors, food trucks, and music filled Suriano Stadium, and crafts, inflatables, and pops entertained youngsters.

“We are incredibly grateful for the support of the township, school system, sponsors, vendors, volunteers, visitors, and individuals who contributed to making our Noche Latina such a success,” concluded Plata, “and we look forward to our future events that serve, support, and contribute to our community. We are all proud to say "We are West Orange! - ¡Somos West Orange!”

Performers - group names

• 1) National Anthem Singers: WOHS Students Sofia Pereira, Lucia Pereira, and Victoria Pereira
• 2) WOHS Italian Club Dancers
• 3) WOHS Female Step Team “Optimal Precision”
• 4) Chilean Dance Performance by "Raices Chilenas"
• 5) Salsa Lesson by Angelo Anderson of "Rhythm in Motion"
• 6) NJ Hot Stilts Performer and Face Painter
• 7) Clave Entertainment- Orquesta La Caribeña

Food Vendors

• Benji’s Mexican Grill
• Puras Paletas
• The Empanada Lady
• The Quarry Grill 

Vendors

• Assemblywoman Rosy Bagolie
• Atlantic Adjusting Co.
• Bethany Center of Champions
• Booey McBooerson, Artist
• Bounce with Me
• JW1 Love Designs
• K and A Crochet
• Olug Sonubi
• Pinky Face Me Kid Face Painting & Balloons
• Picture Perfect Creations
• Research Lab at MSU
• Shop.com
• Soleil Andina Jewelry and Textiles
• Tropical Cheese
• West Orange Arts Council
• West Orange Boxing Club 
• Zufall Health

Sponsors

• Booey McBooerson
• Catrina Lounge
• Cupido’s Bar & Restaurant
• Holy Trinity Church
• Kelsey’s Party Decorations
• Michelle Casalino
• NJ Hot Stilts
• Pinky Face Me Kid Face Painting & Balloons
• Puras Paletas
• Raíces Chilenas
• RWJ Barnabas Health
• Rhythm in Motion
• Waves Sound System’s
• Tammy Williams
• Tropical Cheese
• TV Wholesale LLC DBA Meat Town II

SEE ALL THE PHOTOS FROM LATIN NIGHT HERE AND WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW.

(L-R) World Languages Supervisor and President of WOHF Felix Plata, Ariel del Valle, Consulate of El Salvador, Rosy Bagolie -Assemblywoman 27th Legislative District, Deputy Mayor Rodolfo Rodriguez, Mayor Susan McCartney, councilpersons Susan Scarpa and Michelle Casalino, Superintendent Hayden Moore, WOHS Principal Oscar Gurrero

Somos West Orange

WOHS Optimal Precision Girls Step Team

Oscar Guerrero, Hayden Moore, Felix Plata

Raices Chilenas

Dance Performance