Parade 2024: Puerto Rican Pride Ignites US in Colourful Celebration

Rebecca Ejifoma reports in New York

The streets of Manhattan in New York, US, came alive with vibrant colours, pulsating rhythms, and a profound sense of cultural pride as the Puerto Rican community celebrated the 2024 Puerto Rican Day Parade.

Under the theme “Boricua De Corazon” (Puerto Rican at Heart), the annual event, held on the second Sunday of June, paid homage to the rich culture, artistic expressions, remarkable achievements, and enduring legacy of Puerto Rico and its people.

Donning their traditional regalia, adorned with intricate patterns and vivid hues, Puerto Ricans from all walks of life took to the streets, singing, dancing, and waving their beloved flag with unwavering pride.

Thus, the air was filled with the infectious beats of bomba and plena, traditional Puerto Rican music genres that have captivated generations accompanied by salsa and other dance steps.

According to its origin, the Puerto Rican Day Parade not only celebrated the 3.2 million inhabitants of the island itself but also honoured the countless Puerto Ricans who have made their homes on the US mainland, contributing to the rich tapestry of American society. Their resilience, determination, and unwavering spirit have been a source of inspiration for generations.

As the parade wound its way through the iconic streets of Manhattan, spectators from all backgrounds joined in the festivities, embracing the vibrant Puerto Rican culture and reveling in the energy that permeated the air.

Under the warm rays of the sun, Fifth Avenue in Manhattan transformed into a colourful spectacle, with paraders of all ages – boys, girls, men, and women – walking, biking, and driving in a coordinated display of pride.

Lining both sides of the barricaded walkways, onlookers and cheerers added to the festive atmosphere, chanting and waving flags as they witnessed the parade’s diverse array of participants.

From community organisations like the New York State Nurses Association, Uprose Climate Justice Centre, and NYC Health Hospitals, to cultural groups like the Taino Indians and Boricua College, the parade showcased the rich tapestry of Puerto Rican identity.

Among the participants were groups representing various professions and causes, including the Latino Peace Officers Association, Vida Unida 93.5FM, Mind Speak Inc., and the United Federation of Teachers – Sindicato de Maestros y Profesionales.

Educational institutions like Cardinal Spellman High School and The Hammond School also joined the celebration, highlighting the importance of education in empowering future generations.

The parade was a feast for the senses, as dancers from Dreamz Studio in the Bronx and Boricuas De Corazon captivated the crowds with their scintillating performances, while businesses like Barrio Bar. Kitchen. Culture, MetroPlus Health, and Little Tijuana Restaurant Margarita Bar and Lounge showcased their skills in full glare.

The 67th Puerto Rican Day Parade was a resounding success, a testament to the enduring spirit of a people who have overcome adversity and emerged as a beacon of hope, resilience, and cultural richness.