The Bronx Puerto Rican Day Parade is set to take place on Saturday, Oct. 19, and will bring vibrant cultural performances, colorful floats and community spirit to the heart of the Bronx.
The parade, now in its 38th year, will begin at 11 a.m. and participants will be marching along the Grand Concourse from 164th Street to Mount Eden. Thousands of spectators are expected to gather to witness a lively celebration of Puerto Rican heritage featuring traditional music, dance and performances from various community organizations.
This year’s theme, “Nuestra Musica Folklorica, Bomba y Plena,” honors Puerto Rico’s rich musical traditions, and promises to infuse the streets of the Bronx with energy and cultural pride. Parade participants will include marching bands, cultural performance groups, and community organizations, all coming together to honor Puerto Rican heritage and showcase the strong ties between Puerto Rico and the Bronx.
Assembly Member Karines Reyes will serve as the Grand Marshal for the event, recognizing her contributions to the Puerto Rican community. She will be joined by other honorees, including state Sen. Nathalia Fernandez, who has been named Madrina of the parade, and Sergeant Lorraine Perez of the NYPD, who will receive the Public Civil Service Award.
In addition to the parade, the organizers are hosting a Gala on Thursday, Oct. 17 at Villa Barone Manor. The Gala will bring together community leaders and honorees for an evening of celebration, networking, and performances.
The Gala will also honor individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the Puerto Rican community, including Bernie Hernandez of Aspira, who will receive the Education of Service Award, and Pilar Maschi, Senior Catalyst Organizer for City Parks Foundation, who will be recognized as the Nonprofit Community Advocate of the Year.
The Bronx Puerto Rican Day Parade has been a staple of the borough’s annual cultural calendar, attracting thousands of participants and spectators eager to celebrate the vibrant culture of Puerto Rico and the contributions of the Puerto Rican community to the Bronx.
For more information about the parade and upcoming events, visit the Bronx Puerto Rican Day Parade Facebook page or email infoPRparade@yahoo.com.