Tag Archives: family-friendly

Christmas on Main Street festival returns Dec. 13 to St. John’s Parish

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The Community Celebration Network of Destiny Christian Center will host the second annual Christmas on Main Street Festival on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, offering holiday activities, performances and family-friendly entertainment in St. John the Baptist Parish. The festival runs from 3 to 8 p. m. at Destiny Christian Center, 612 Main St., and is designed to bring together families, businesses and community groups in a shared celebration of the season. Organizers said the goal is to promote joy, unity, and connection while building lasting holiday traditions. This year’s lineup includes a Christmas tree lighting, performances by local schools, churches, and community groups, children’s activities, holiday craft stations, a Christmas art gallery, and shopping with local vendors. Free parking will be available at: Keely Shine Veterinary Clinic Bayou Supply Hibbett Sports John L. Ory Little Starrs Center From My Heart to Yours Free shuttle service will run from: Hibbett Sports John L. Ory Little Starrs Daycare From My Heart to Yours Residents from St. John Parish and neighboring communities are invited to attend. Organizers are hopeful the festival will continue to strengthen community bonds and create holiday memories for years to come.
https://lobservateur.com/2025/11/26/christmas-on-main-street-festival-returns-dec-13-to-st-johns-parish/

Jay-Z, NFL Defend Bad Bunny as Petition to Replace Him with George Strait Tops 100,000

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The NFL has confirmed that there will be no change in the performer for the halftime show at Super Bowl 60, despite ongoing calls for a switch.

In September, the NFL and Jay-Z’s Roc Nation, which is producing the show, announced that three-time Grammy winner Bad Bunny will headline the 2026 Super Bowl halftime show on February 8. The Puerto Rican rapper is a global superstar expected to attract a wave of first-time football viewers.

However, in the U.S., Bad Bunny, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, has faced criticism due to his past remarks opposing former President Donald Trump’s immigration policies. This controversy has sparked calls for a different performer.

In response to the backlash during a press conference, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell stated, “The NFL is not considering dropping Bad Bunny. It’s carefully thought through. I’m not sure we’ve ever selected an artist where we didn’t have some blowback or criticism. It’s pretty hard to do when you have literally hundreds of millions of people that are watching.”

Goodell also acknowledged that the decision on the Super Bowl performer ultimately rests with Roc Nation and Jay-Z. The music mogul seemed to suggest that the critics actually harbor deep positive feelings for Bad Bunny despite the controversy.

As the excitement builds for the 2026 Super Bowl, fans can look forward to a halftime show that promises to bring both star power and diverse cultural influence to the grand stage.
https://heavy.com/sports/nfl/bad-bunny-super-bowl-petition/

Photos: Día de Los Muertos celebrations in San Jose and Oakland

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Hundreds of people took to the streets of San Jose and Oakland this weekend to celebrate Día de los Muertos, honoring the rich cultural traditions of this meaningful holiday.

In San Jose, Avenida de Altares (Avenue of the Altars) was held at the Mexican Heritage Plaza. This immersive experience featured a curated altar walk stretching from the intersection of Alum Rock Avenue and King Road to the entrance of Highway 101, culminating inside the plaza grounds. After the walk, community members were invited into La Plaza to enjoy a wide variety of activities including Día de los Muertos-themed face painting, private tarot readings, and booths from local artisans and makers selling original creations. Additional highlights included a costume contest and a picturesque cemetery installation, creating a vibrant and engaging celebration for all ages.

Meanwhile, the Oakland Día de los Muertos Festival marked its 30th year, welcoming tens of thousands of visitors to the culturally rich Fruitvale neighborhood. This free, outdoor, family-friendly event celebrates Mexican traditions with world-class live music, family games, rides, and traditional Latin American artisans. One of the festival’s central features is the breathtaking altars created by community members as a heartfelt homage to their deceased ancestors.

This year’s festival theme, “Aquí estamos y no nos vamos” (“Here we are and we’re not leaving”), powerfully expresses resilience, unity, and cultural pride—values that continue to define the Fruitvale community. The 30-year milestone is a testament to the enduring spirit and vibrant heritage celebrated during Día de los Muertos in the Bay Area.

Whether in San Jose or Oakland, these events offered meaningful opportunities for communities to come together, remember loved ones, and celebrate life through tradition, art, and shared cultural experiences.
https://www.mercurynews.com/2025/11/02/photos-dia-de-los-muertos-celebrations-in-san-jose-and-oakland/