On July 22, 2023, Norris Square Neighborhood Project (NSNP) officially celebrated 50 years through Festival Jíbaro. Festival Jíbaro allowed Norris Square Neighborhood staff, board, youth, and community members to share a collective space in Las Parcelas Garden of storytelling, food, culture, music, and more. 

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As guests walked down Palethorp Street approaching Norris Square Neighborhood’s largest garden, Las Parecelas, they could hear musical group Raíces Boricua playing traditional Puerto Rican music, telling them where to go next. 

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When guests reached the entrance of Las Parcelas, they were met with a brief explanation of NSNP’s history and signs with Puerto Rican barrios along the fence. 

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As the music continues, guests say hello, share stories, and reminisce about their time as youth at NSNP, their time in the gardens or with our founders, and everything in between.

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Next, speeches by NSNP’s board and staff members began, thanking the community and expressing their gratitude for what NSNP represents and offers in the neighborhood. 

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Once board and staff members delivered their speeches, the guests heard from Peter Kent, son of Natalie Kempner, NSNP co-founder - Nitza Walesca Sierra, NSNP alum and community artist - and Iris Brown, NSNP garden co-founder. Their gratitude resonated with the connections NSNP forged over the years.

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The speeches moved guests and did not prepare them for what came next – a captivating dance performance by Grupo Alegría. Grupo Alegría appeared from the crowd in their beautiful, colorful skirts and headpieces, ready to perform. The members of the Norris Square Senior Center, NSNP’s neighbors on Howard Street, assembled in the center of Las Parcelas for all to see, where they showcased a beautiful dance highlighting Puerto Rican culture. 

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As the dance by Grupo Alegría came to a close, everyone could smell something in the air. That something being food. A line quickly formed, wrapping around the garden of people all waiting to receive a plate of arroz con gandules, pasteles, and, of course, lechon.  

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The food itself held a special significance, as it beautifully represented the staple cuisine of Puerto Rican campesinos, featuring a delightful array of verduras such as malanga, yautía, plátanos, and yuca. The lechon presented an extra special occasion with an NSNP alum carving the meat to serve. 

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Eventually, after all the guests proceeded through the food line, no morsel was left uneaten. NSNP opened the mic to anyone with something to share. The most unexpected moment was when Representative Danilo Burgos took front and center. 

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Representative Burgos presented Norris Square Neighborhood Project with a proclamation about our gardens and organization.

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Afterward, Nitza Walesca Sierra held a clay pendant workshop. Allowing guests to express themselves through beadwork. 

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As the night progressed, it seemed far from winding down, with dancing and singing continuing well into the evening. While this was a celebration of 50 years of Norris Square Neighborhood Project, it was also a tribute to the resilience of our community.  It emphasized the enduring relationships between NSNP and our community members, celebrated our rich culture and history, and looked forward to the future that lies ahead. Festival Jíbaro was a beautiful celebration for Norris Square Neighborhood Project and the community that supports us and our work. 

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