A New Tradition Begins at Norris Square Neighborhood Project

Norris Square — Nearly 200 tickets were sold for the inaugural Fiesta de los Jardines on July 25, bringing neighbors, volunteers, community partners and supporters together across Las Parcelas, Raíces and La Paz for Norris Square Neighborhood Project's first annual fundraising event.

The event was created to celebrate the organization's community gardens while raising funds to support its youth, environmental and cultural programs. Throughout the afternoon, visitors explored all three gardens, met local vendors, participated in activities and learned more about NSNP's work in the Norris Square neighborhood.

Three Gardens, One Celebration

Norris Square Neighborhood Project stewards six community gardens throughout the neighborhood: Las Parcelas, Raíces Garden, La Paz, El Batey, Villa Africana Colobó, and the Butterfly Garden. The inaugural Fiesta de los Jardines invited visitors to explore three of those spaces—Las Parcelas, Raíces Garden and La Paz—each offering its own history, character and role within the Norris Square Neighborhood Project community.

Throughout the afternoon, guests moved between the three gardens, discovering how they serve as places for environmental education, cultural preservation and community gathering. Together, they offered a glimpse into the broader network of gardens that NSNP has cared for alongside neighbors for more than five decades.

Culture, Food and Community

Programming throughout the day encouraged visitors to experience the gardens in different ways.

The event included a community yoga session led by Monarch Yoga, a salsa lesson, and a performance by Tony Méndez & Los Bomberos de la Calle. Local food and artisan vendors offered a variety of items, while Sacred Vice Brewing Company served beverages for guests.

Throughout the event, neighbors gathered for conversation, families explored the gardens together and visitors experienced spaces that continue to play an important role in the life of the community.

Made Possible Through Community

Fiesta de los Jardines was organized through the collective efforts of NSNP staff, volunteers, community partners and local businesses.

NSNP recognizes the contributions of community partners Sacred Vice Brewing Company, Monarch Yoga, Tony Méndez & Los Bomberos de la Calle, New Kensington CDC, Lauren and Johan, Photography Without Borders, and Somos Society, whose participation helped make the inaugural event possible.

The organization also thanks the businesses and organizations that donated raffle prizes, including Amy's Pastelillos, Casa Borinqueña, Riverwards Produce, Forin Café, Meetinghouse, BUB's, the Academy of Natural Sciences, Moodio Studio and Bennett Compost.

Looking Ahead

While Fiesta de los Jardines serves as NSNP's annual fundraising event, it also reflects the organization's long-standing commitment to creating spaces where neighbors can gather, learn and celebrate together.

The inaugural event marked the beginning of what NSNP hopes will become an annual tradition, bringing the community together each summer to celebrate the gardens, the neighborhood and the people who continue to care for both.