During the months of June and July, the city of Lowell is hosting a variety of cultural events.
The Franco-American Festival began on Wednesday, June 19, and will continue until Saturday, June 26. This past Saturday was Soirée de Danse with the Johnny Morin Band, followed by a French Mass honoring all Franco-American Veterans and the Franco-American community, ending with a pancake breakfast.
Monday was the Québécois Film Fest, and on Tuesday the “Who and Where we came from, our faith, Heraldry, and Traditions” conference was held by Kevin Roy, at the Franco-American School Auditorium.
Wednesday, June 23, The Ham & Bean Supper was held at the Immaculate Conception School Hall, followed by entertainment provided by The Irish-French Connection: John Whelan & Donna Hébert.
On Thursday, June 24, there will be a Memorial ceremony at the Little Canada Monument and a flag raising ceremony at the Lowell City Hall.
The Soiree Folklorique “La chanson franco-américaine” at the Lowell Senior Center on Saturday, June 26, will conclude Lowell’s Franco-American Festival.
The Lowell African Festival will take place on Saturday, June 26, from 11AM to 7PM. This annual festival has been held in Lowell since 2000. The African Festival features performing arts, authentic African food, traditional and modern African arts and crafts, and dance.
Performing this year will be Akwaaba Ensemble, Art of Black Dance and Music, Atlas Soul, and Boubacar Diabate and Samba Lolo.
On Saturday, July 10, the Puerto Rican Festival is happening from 11AM to 8PM in downtown Lowell’s Boardinghouse Park. A fun and entertaining event for the entire family, the festival will bring Puerto Rican culture to Lowell, and give an introduction to Puerto Rican traditions and customs.
There will be music, authentic ethnic food, demonstrations of traditional Puerto Rican dances, poetry readings, drama, and speeches.
Please visit the Greater Merrimack Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau for more information on the festivals and schedules of the events.
