I grew up in a city where every borough had a festival for basically anything. It almost seemed like the city just looked for reasons to celebrate and get togeher. Whats funny is considering New York is a city of "mind your business and keep it moving" the festivals always drew crowds from at least 4 or the 5 boroughs. It was quite the sight, but the festivals that always drew the largest crowds where the ones in the city (native new yorkers call manhatten the city while the other 4 bouroughs are just the outer bouroughs but all 5 are techincally New York City).
My absolutle favorite ones were the Spanish festivals. There were usually 3 or 4 of them throughout the summer. The food was always fanstatic. From the maduros to the acapulliras. Always over priced but thats almost everything that you can find in New York. After you but like 40 dollars worth of food (maybe 1 full plate) you look at all the vendors from usually the bronx. But nick nacks that are all about latin culture. All the while listening to either Salsa or Bachata or some flavor os spanish music. Besides spending way to much on nothing you cant really complain, good food and good music to enjoy a nice summer day.
After that my other favorite festival is a small festival in the Pelham section od the Bronx. The St. Theresa festival. This one is in a highly catholic neighborhood thought by the church. The music is typically sutble and whatever is relevant at the time. The church has a bunch or locals sell thier hand made jewelry or clothing. Outside you have you typical Italian food and festival food.. This is where i tried my first deep fried oreo. And of course is block party fashion a section for dancing and futher down rides and slides .. at night it blurs the lines from festival to block party. The music changes to atteact the younger crowd .. and what i love is that every year its different. Its always fun and always fattening ... good prices for good food .
Hopefully i can make time to visit aome new ones in the city or find some out in Jersey by me now.
This blog homework was nice remembering all the fun stuff i used to do in NY. @rambo @missy