For families who want a mid-winter break activity that’s meaningful, joyful, and full of cultural expression, Merenguando en Familia ticks every box.

Hosted by local community partners and timed perfectly for mid-winter recess, Merenguando en Familia blends live music, dance, hands-on art, food, and fun, all wrapped in the warm spirit ofLatin traditions. It’s the kind of festival that feels just as good to experience as it does to be part of—especially for children discovering culture through play. This celebration brings Dominican culture front and center, transforming a simple winter break afternoon into a vibrant festival of rhythm, creativity, and togetherness for families on Long Island.

Merenguando en Familia Family Day helps children to learn and enjoy community, joy, and shared culture—the perfect mid-winter activity! Here’s your guide to what families can expect at this year’s event.

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When the mid-winter break rolls around, families often look for events that feel joyful, engaging, and rooted in community and culture. The Merenguando en Familia Winter Break Family Day answers that call in a big way, blending Dominican traditions, Latin culture, live music, dance, food, and creative activities into a lively familyfiesta!

Part festival, part cultural showcase, the annual event invites families to come together, celebrateQuisqueya La Bella,and immerse the kiddos in the rhythms and flavors that make Dominican culture uniquely joyful. With music that makes you want to move, art that invites exploration, and food that tastes like home, this is a festival where memories are made long before spring arrives.

A family event at its heart, kids are encouraged to participate whether that’s clapping along with live music, joining in dance moments, or making their own creative art to take home. We love how it highlights the vibrancy of Dominican cultural traditions, like merengue music and dance, storytelling, and shared celebration, while also welcoming families from all backgrounds to join in.

Dominican music and dance are at the core of this celebration. Live rhythms from ensembles like La Presión Típica bring authentic merengue beats, and the Las Estrellas Ladies Salsa Team gets everyone moving with passionate, joyful performances. For kids, it’s an opportunity to experience movement and music that’s rooted in culture, not just entertainment.

Source: LI Press