Welcome to the official website
of the Puerto Rican Festival of Wisconsin
Our Annual Festival celebrates the rich culture and heritage of Puerto Rico. We bring the community together to experience the best of music, dance, food, and traditions.
Join us for delicious food, LIVE music, cultural exhibits and family fun. Come enjoy the island's
vibrant culture and celebrate its bright future. See you in August 2025!
Experience the rich culture, mouthwatering flavors, and rhythms of Puerto Rico
A taste of the island right here in Wisconsin! Join us for a day filled with music, food, and unforgettable memories for the whole family!
Milwaukee County
Sheriff Cadet program
RECIPE OF THE MONTH
Arroz con Gandules
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3 cups medium-grain rice
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1 can (15 oz) gandules (pigeon peas), drained
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3 tbsp olive oil
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3 tbsp sofrito
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2 tbsp tomato sauce
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2 tsp sazón (with annatto)
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1 tsp adobo seasoning
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1/2 cup chopped olives
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4 cups chicken broth or water
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1/4 tsp black pepper
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1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
Puerto ricans
in wisconsin
The first wave of Puerto Ricans arrived in Wisconsin during the 1940s and 1950s, primarily to work in agriculture. They were recruited through government programs like the "Operation Bootstrap" initiative, which encouraged Puerto Ricans to migrate to the U.S. mainland for labor opportunities.
Arriving in
milwaukee
In the late 1950s and 1960s, many Puerto Ricans moved to cities like Milwaukee, where they sought jobs in manufacturing and industrial sectors. This shift marked a transition from rural to urban living, as the community began to establish itself in neighborhoods around the city.
Cultural
Advocacy
By the 1960s, Puerto Rican communities in Wisconsin began forming cultural organizations to preserve their heritage and advocate for their rights. Groups in Milwaukee emerged to provide social services, education, and cultural programming for Puerto Rican and other Latino residents.
growing
in wisconsin
Puerto Ricans continue to enrich the state culturally, economically, and socially through events like the festival, thriving businesses, and organizations, while influential Puerto Rican politicians and judges contribute to the state's leadership, advocacy, and justice system
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