Known as America’s largest cultural celebration, the “National Puerto Rican Day” parade in New York City took place on the second Sunday in June (this was the 61st such event). Traveling along 5th Avenue (from 44th street to 79th Street), this parade, celebrating the Puerto Rican community, draws around 1.5 million spectators per year. This year’s theme, “One People, Many Voices” focused on the resilience of the island after being affected by Hurricane Maria (at category 4, the strongest storm to hit the island in 90 years).
The first such parade occurred back in 1958 - at that time, held in April - and was known as the “Hispanic Day Parade.” When the organization running the parade incorporated in 1995, the name was changed to the “National Puerto Rican Day Parade.” In addition to the parade itself, the organization sponsors seven other major events around the city, including the longest running street fair held on the day prior to the parade. Among the dancers, musicians, floats and marchers, were the usual group of celebrities, such as Governor Andrew Cuomo, New York Senator Charles Schumer, and Mayor Michael Bloomberg. The parade was even featured in an episode of the NBC sitcom “Seinfeld.” Enthusiasm ran very high during this parade, which lasted for five hours. We had a great time at the parade and hope to visit Puerto Rico in the future.
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