New York: Since 1958, New York has celebrated Puerto Rican culture and millions of Puerto Rican Americans and Nuyoricans with the National Puerto Rican Day Parade. Held on a day in June, the parade extends along Fifth Avenue from 44th Street to 79th Street and attracts massive crowds that number in the millions with colorful floats, dancers, and the chance to see celebs and leaders in the Puerto Rican community.
The National Puerto Rican Day Parade is a vibrant cultural spectacle that follows a new theme each year. Past themes have included “Celebrating the Natural Beauty of Puerto Rico” as well as “Puerto Ricans and Higher Education.” The parade features prominent Puerto Ricans like Dr. Felix Matos Rodriguez, the President of Hostos Community College of NY, and Dr. Manuel J. Fernos, President of Inter-American University in Puerto Rico. Come to see this year’s Miss Puerto Rico or for the chance to watch celebrities like Jennifer Lopez, Geraldo Rivera, Ricky Martin, and Marc Antony.
The National Puerto Rican Day Parade is free and all ages are welcome to come experience a bit of Puerto Rican culture. After catching the parade, head over to the Bronx for the daylong festival. This free Puerto Rican festival takes place on 152nd Street between Jackson and Union Avenue and features family-friendly activities as well as traditional Puerto Rican foods, crafts, and live music.