Bongo drum beats and the celebratory blare of trumpets reverberated throughout the cluster of storefronts and office buildings during Sunday’s National Puerto Rican Day Parade in Midtown.
The march’s 68th edition kicked off with a ribbon cutting by elected officials Gov. Kathy Hochul, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, and others, who honored the festivities by announcing investments into Hispanic centers.
“I am so proud to be the governor of a state that has over 1 million people of Puerto Rican descent, especially the 600,000 right here in New York City. And I’m really proud to say that we’re going to continue investing in the great culture of the traditions,” Hochul said. “And I’m proud to announce $9 million of investment today, $7 million for the Hispanic Cultural Center in my hometown of Buffalo, New York, and $2 million right here in New York City for the Hispanic Library and Cultural Center.”
Cultural pride is at the very heart of this parade, so the theme was aptly entitled “Plantando Bandera,” which represents the heart of the community, the contributions that have been made, and the importance of maintaining cultural heritage and tradition.
A sea of red, white, and blue flags with a single star billowed in the summer wind along 5th Avenue between 44th and 79th Streets. Despite the sweltering heat, attendees danced in the streets wearing staples of Puerto Rican culture, such as white “Bomba” dresses, straw hats, and even holding onto plush coquís (a small frog).
These festivities brought music to the streets, along with opportunities for New Yorkers to proudly honor their Hispanic heritage.
Infamous singers, actors, and other influential Puerto Rican figures joined in the celebration, waving the flag while shouting, “Qué bonita Bandera.”
