Puerto Rican Day Parade to Liven Up Fifth Avenue
Let the fiesta begin! New York’s annual Puerto Rican Day Parade will march up Fifth Avenue this Sunday. The parade, the second largest in New York behind the West Indian-American Carnival Parade, celebrates Puerto Rican heritage and its contribution to the society of New York.
It is estimated that The Puerto Rican Day Parade has over 80,000 participants that march, over 2 million spectators, and is viewed on local and international channels, making it a truly international event.
The parade has been marred by violence in the past. In 2000, violence was at its height and last year, police arrested over 200 people, some of whom police believed have gang affiliation. In 2005, Mayor Bloomberg asked some Fifth Avenue businesses and apartment buildings to refrain from boarding windows, citing that it was insulting. But some businesses continue to board up and close for business on parade day.
The parade always features celebrities and local politicians. Geraldo Rivera, Jennifer Lopez, Marc Anthony, and Ricky Martin have all made appearances in past years. This year’s Grand Marshal is labor leader Dennis Rivera.
Location: Parade route is on Fifth Avenue from East 44th Street to East 86th Street.
Date and Time: Sunday, June 8, 2008. Begins at 11am.
Photo credit: PSilver for flickr
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