2. Portugal Day Festival

The Buzz -- This gala gives Newark's sizable Portuguese community an opportunity to recognize their birth country's foremost national holiday, Dia de Portugal (June 10). Historically, the day was set aside to honor Luís de Camões, who wrote "Os Lusíadas," an epic poem celebrating Portuguese accomplishments and conquests. In Newark, the festivities take the shape of a large, community-driven party on Ferry Street – one that features plenty of food, music and revelry. The festival also carries with it several spur events, among them an exhibition soccer match featuring popular futebol squads from Portugal, a youth soccer tourney, classical music concerts at the NJPAC, and a colorful grand parade.