The streets of Manhattan were filled with vibrant colors and festive spirits as the Puerto Rican Day Parade took place on Sunday. Organizers hailed it as the largest cultural festival in the country, drawing huge crowds of revelers.
The parade route on Fifth Avenue was alive with the sounds of Bomba music and the sight of people dressed in red, white, and blue attire. Smiles were abundant as the sun shone down on the joyful participants.
Chris Santiago, a 23-year-old from The Bronx, expressed the sentiment of many attendees, saying, “When we represent Puerto Rico, we represent their heart.” Santiago, who has been attending the parade since childhood, emphasized the importance of celebrating Puerto Rican culture and heritage.
The festive atmosphere continued to spread from Midtown to the Upper East Side, with dancing and merriment filling the streets. Even Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny made an appearance, adding to the excitement of the day.
Destiny Napoleoni, 30, described the parade as “beautiful” and emphasized the unity and pride felt by all participants. She highlighted the importance of coming together to celebrate Puerto Rican identity and history.
Sunday marked the 68th annual Puerto Rican Day Parade, with more than 1 million attendees and participants expected to join the festivities.
Although the exact turnout for this year’s parade was unknown, the spirit of celebration and unity was palpable among the participants.
One attendee, Lisa Santiago, honored her late father by attending the parade, a tradition they shared annually. Despite feeling a mix of emotions, she felt her father’s presence alongside her as she danced and waved the Puerto Rican flag in his memory.
