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Puerto Rican Day Parade expected to be largest ever

By Megan Stride | Special to amNew York

June 6, 2008

Get ready to party New York City!

Fifth Avenue will be festooned with Puerto Rican flags and rocked by salsa beats on Sunday when the 51st National Puerto Rican Parade gets rolling.

More than two million spectators are expected to line the parade route from 44th to 86th streets starting at 11a.m. With 31 delegations from the States and several more from Puerto Rico slated to participate, organizers say they're expecting this year's celebration to be the largest in the parade's history.

One hundred musicians are set to perform, including rapper Fat Joe, R&B singer Kat Deluna, reggaeton duo Wisin & Yandel and salsa singer Frankie Negrón.

"We have music for all tastes," said parade producer Carlos Valasquez. "Teenagers will enjoy reggaeton and we have salsa music for the 40-year-olds. As Puerto Ricans, we are all-inclusive."

Celebrities will be waving from colorful floats, including this year's parade queen, Jenice-Marie Diaz, and TV personality Geraldo Rivera.

This year's Grand Marshal is Dennis Rivera, a longtime labor leader in the city who was born in Puerto Rico and is now the chair of the healthcare division of the Service Employees International Union.

"He killed the stereotype of Hispanics not working," Valasquez said. "He represents a union; he represents people on a payroll. These are workers."

Since 1958, the parade has drawn participants from around the country and from Puerto Rico to celebrate a shared culture.

"It's a day of pride for Puerto Ricans in the States," Valasquez said. "It's a way for the nation to see how Puerto Ricans have contributed to the development of the country. It's not just New York anymore, it's across the nation."

* Where: 5th Ave. from 44th to 86th Sts.

* When: Saturday at 11 a.m.

* Best viewing: Steps of the Metropolitan Museum, if you get there early

* Grand Marshal: Labor leader Dennis Rivera

* Celebrities: Newsman Geraldo Rivera, singer Frankie Negron, musician Tito Puente, Jr., singer Willy Chirino, rapper Fat Joe and chef Elsie Ramos