On Friday, July 27, at approximately 6:40 p.m., a cultural parade will commence from JFK Plaza next to City Hall to mark the official start of the 26th annual Lowell Folk Festival. The procession will travel along Merrimack Street before turning left on Kirk Street and then heading directly to Boardinghouse Park for a special flag ceremony.
Jorge Arce and Comparsa Boricua will lead the procession. Comparsa Boricua is a Puerto Rican parade tradition involving musicians, dancers, and masqueraders. An estimated 15-20 nations will be represented in the procession, each with its own flag.
The Lowell Folk Festival is the largest free folk festival in the nation, with musical genres including folk, bluegrass, gospel, world music, jazz, and others. In addition to music, the Lowell Folk Festival features ethnic foods, crafts, artwork, and children’s activities. Canal boat and trolley rides will be available throughout the weekend – tour information is available at the National Park Visitor Center (246 Market Street).
The Lowell Folk Festival is presented by Lowell National Historical Park, Lowell Festival Foundation, the National Council for the Traditional Arts, the City of Lowell, and the Greater Merrimack Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau. For more information, contact Lowell National Historical Park at 978-970-5200 (TDD 978-970-5002) or visit online at http://www.lowellfolkfestival.org/.
