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New York's Puerto Rican Day Parade |
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Have you ever seen a horde of people waving flags, dancing, and screaming "Boricua" at the top of their lungs?� If not, you literally will by attending The New York Puerto Rican Parade.� This milestone in the Latin community has taken place since 1958.� The event attracts visitors from around the country, even those not of Hispanic decent.� The hospitality of the Hispanic culture is inviting. |
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The renowned Puerto Rican parade presents entertainers of the Latin scene that would give no rejections about appearing at this celebration. An invitation to appear is such an honor because this event is one of few to celebrate Hispanic heritage.� A variety of floats are present, ranging from local radio stations, local schools, and community organizations.� Awaking with a hoarse voice was no concern for me when Daddy Yankee, the king of reggaeton, came floating by reciting rap verses from his latest hits, like "Gasolina" and "El Tiburon". Or when one of New York City's high school bands parched pass seducing my ears with the beat of their drums.� It is an unrecognizable feeling when tons of people are crowding each other and loving every moment.� This day of massive Puerto Rican pride is always held on the 2nd Sunday of June between 11PM-4PM.� The parade is on 5th avenue in New York City from 44th to 86th streets, which runs along the east end of Central Park.� The parade actually began in 1958 in New York City; however it wasn't nationally recognized until 1995.� Each year it attracts over 3 million spectators and nearly 100,000 marchers.� Imagine being a part of that crowd.� |
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Two of my closet friends and I showed up this year for the parade; it would be the first time for all of us.� We had no idea of what to expect when we got to the city.� When we entered downtown we parked on the west side of the park, closet to the West Side highway, on 62nd street.� As we stepped out of the car, we didn't see any flags or floats in sight.� After we settled our confusion, we reached the conclusion that we were nowhere near the parade.� We asked a fellow, who just pulled up to the red light and looked Spanish, if he knew where the parade was located.� The young man kindly told us that it was on the other side of the park, which is the east end.� Now, keep in mind that this is the first time that any of us have been to the parade, let alone this area of the city.� So, with me being a keen navigator, I suggested that we walk straight through the park where we should end up on the other side.� So we did.� It took us about ten minutes to walk across three-fourths of the park.� Once we began to see streams of people, sporting outfits and jewelry with the Puerto Rican flag on them, we knew we were near.� That's when we started to do what any other group would when they're unsure of which way to go, we followed the crowd.� As we continued, I started to see more and more people.� We were just excited to be there.� I pulled my camcorder out of my backpack, that I had been charging all morning to catch these moments, and pressed the record button.� I tried to get a good spot in the crowd; I wanted to catch every bit of the floats, and the performers as they strolled by.� You could hear people whistling, screaming, and hooting.� I tell you, I have rarely seen this amount of satisfaction out of a large group of people.� Everyone seemed excited and humble at the same time.� |
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����������� After the last float passed us by, the police opened the net that fenced everyone in and let us through.� The girls and I followed the parade up twenty blocks.� We wanted to soak in this experience so that it would never be forgotten.� Please believe me, walking twenty blocks and back, plus walking across Central Park again wasn't something that I was able to forget for at least a week.� When we returned home the next morning, I made sure that I kept my walking distance to a minimum.� Even when I would for parking, only the Big Man upstairs knew how much I wanted to park in the handicap spaces.� Unfortunately for me, they pack a hefty fine for violators. |
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����������� Overall, the Puerto Rican Day Parade has been the most exciting organized event I've attended.� I temporarily tossed my responsibilities and enjoyed myself; it was a getaway that would never be forgotten. I enjoyed this event so much that I plan of returning next year.� This event is where anyone who likes Spanish culture, and enjoys the thrill of being around a lot of people with the same interests, would appreciate. |
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