58th VIPR Village Gathered Crowds of People Over the Weekend

By Diana Dias
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The 58th V.I. Puerto Rican Friendship Village gathered crowds of people at the David Canegata Ballpark over the weekend. Families, vendors, and excited children waiting in long lines to get on rides and food enjoyed a weekend packed with festivities.

Sameer Parilla enjoys the teacup ride and the V.I. Puerto Rican Village. (Image by Sammy Parrilla)

This year’s VIPR Village honored Joseph “Joe” Olmeda and was celebrated Friday on the opening night of the village. Gov. Albert Bryan, who was at the opening night, said, “If there is reincarnation I want to come back as a Virgin Islander, but if I can’t come back as a Virgin Islander, I want to be a Trini or a Puerto Rican.”

Crowds of people walk through the V.I. Puerto Rican Friendship Village. (Image by Sammy Parrilla)

“Joe embodies born Boriqua. The one thing I love about Puerto Ricans is they do it with passion,” said Bryan

Crowds of people enjoy the V.I. Puerto Rican Friendship Village festivities. (Image by Sammy Parrilla)

Events that occurred during the village included a softball tournament, arroz con pollo competition, and a domino tournament. Live performances included Gran Apertua, La Clava Con Swing, Oscarito El Mas Loco, La Nueva Banda, Moncho Rivera y Su Orquesta, Grupo Pimpirengue, Grupo Xencima and other local band performances by Dem Dudes, Toasty featuring ISB and more.