Livingston’s Fourth Annual Hispanic Heritage Festival Returns Sep 20, 2026

Mark your calendars, because the sound of maracas and the aroma of sizzling tacos will fill the air in Livingston on Sunday, September 20. It’s the fourth year that the town’s beloved Hispanic Heritage Festival—nicknamed “Sazón” – rolls into the Oval, and this time the program is packed even tighter.

The day kicks off at 12:45 p.m. with a flag‑raising ceremony at the Livingston Town Hall. It’s a quick, respectful moment that sets the tone for the festivities that follow. Right after, a colorful Parade of Flags snakes its way to the gazebo, where the real party begins at 1:00 p.m.

From early afternoon until 5:00 p.m., the gazebo transforms into a vibrant stage. You’ll hear everything from traditional Peruvian folk dances to a lively Cumbia band, with a DJ sprinkling in some modern beats to keep feet moving. Highlights include a Zumba session led by Laura, Liz and Frannie, a fiery tango performance by Euforia Dance Studio, and a soulful set from Yale University’s mariachi group.

Families won’t be left out either. Little ones can get their faces painted, bounce around two inflatable castles, or strike a pose in a 360‑degree photo booth. The Creatif Art Academy runs a kids’ corner where crayons flow freely, while the “Los Profes del Sabor” Spanish teachers invite kids to craft tiny piñatas and test their knowledge with trivia.

Hungry? A lineup of food trucks will satisfy cravings ranging from Mexican guacamole at Viva Guacamole to Cuban delights from Cubita Truck, Peruvian specialties from Lomo Truck, and a mix of Latin flavors from Deluxe Truck. And when the sun gets a bit too warm, a lemonade stand from Little Café and ice‑cream treats from Scoop Theory provide sweet relief.

Beyond the main stage, you can join soccer drills with EST Soccer Academy, try out fitness challenges at the Livingston Gym’s table, or watch the Ecuadorian group Balcón Andino perform. And don’t miss the moment when a giant piñata is swung open to a burst of confetti and candy – a perfect photo op for kids and grown‑ups alike.

All of this is free and open to anyone who wants to celebrate the rich tapestry of Latin American and Caribbean cultures that call Livingston home. The festival is a community‑driven effort led by Sazón Livingston, in partnership with the Livingston Committee for Diversity & Inclusion, and it grew out of a high‑school senior’s dream in 2023. It’s become more than an event; it’s a reminder that our town’s flavor is richer when we share it together.

So whether you’re a lifelong resident, a curious neighbor, or just passing through, swing by the gazebo, raise a flag, try a new dish, and let the music move you. Sazón is back, and it’s better than ever.