Latin Leadership Committee

The city of Allentown is now at 54% Latino, and, Diane Wittry, Allentown Symphony Orchestra Conductor/Music Director, had long wanted to engage with this community.

In the Spring of 2024, the Latin Leadership Committee, made up of Latin community members, Allentown Symphony Association staff and board members, had its first meeting and soon started planning their first event: A Latin Parranda.

“We really want to connect more deeply to people in Allentown and the Lehigh Valley that come from different cultures. I have learned so much and had so much fun working with the Latin leaders on this project.” Diane Wittry said. “The Allentown Symphony Orchestra and Miller Symphony Hall strive to be a place where people gather to share and experience music and activities that are meaningful to everyone. Together we are exploring new ways that we can work together and bring people together around music.”

Although a Parranda is of Puerto Rican origin, this particular Parranda made room for all Latinos. Flor Velez, Founder and CEO of Puerto Rican Culture Preservation, is the chair of the Parranda Committee.

“I grew up in Puerto Rico and the Parranda is a very joyful Christmas tradition. This new version of the parranda will bring back warm memories while you enjoy wonderful traditional food, music, dancing to Caribbean rhythms and coquito. And the best thing is that we have planned it for everyone, not just Puerto Ricans. What better way to kick off the Christmas season than with good company and great cheer?” she said.

The committee is working on adding other Latin events to the calendar, as well as continuing the Latin Parranda in 2025.