The festivities for the 2023 National Puerto Rican Day Parade are underway. This year the parade marks its’ 66th year. Parade organizers announced that this year’s parade will take place on New York City’s Fifth Avenue on Sunday June 11th. The parade organizers also had a few easter eggs attendees can expect at this year’s celebration.
Aguadilla Stand Up
This year’s parade is dedicated to the municipality of Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. Founded in 1775 and nicknamed La Ciudad de Encantos (The City of Enchantments). Aguadilla is a city located on the northwestern tip of Puerto Rico, on Puerto Rico’s Atlantic coast.
The mayor of Aguadilla, Julio Roldán, expressed being honored by the dedication of the National Puerto Rican Day Parade. Mayor Roldán told the press “The National Puerto Rican Day Parade in New York is the biggest celebration of our brothers and sisters residing in the United States national pride. For Aguadilla, it is a sincere honor that the Board of Directors has dedicated the parade to Aguadilla and to continue making the best of our city known, its people, culture and identity, as well as tourist attractions. We will be present, taking a piece of our heart not only to the Aguadillanos who reside in New York, but to all Boricuas.”
Special Tribute
Closely aligned to the recognition of Aguadilla. The parade organizers also announced a tribute to Rafael Hernández Marín. Marín is a legendary Puerto Rican composer and musician. Marin is considered one of the greatest Puerto Rican composers of all time and one of the most prolific composers of Latin America.
Born on October 24, 1891, in Aguadilla to Afro-Puerto Rican tobacco workers. Hernández Marín studied music as a child and played for local bands and in small theater productions. Given his notable talents, he was recruited by the U.S. Army’s 169th Regiment band in Europe, becoming sergeant during World War I. After the war, Hernández moved to New York City, where he opened a music store and wrote some of his most famous compositions, like the highly revered Lamento Borincano.
Together with other renowned Puerto Rican musicians, like Bobby Capó, Mirta Silva and Tito Puente, Hernández’ compositions and style impacted the music of New York City in a way that made him and his contemporaries global ambassadors of Puerto Rican music and art.
Events
Now for those that know, the parade is more than just strolling down Fifth Avenue in June. It’s a weeklong celebration filled with cultural pride, traditions and events. From primos, titi’s and abuelitas, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
The 2023 event calendar will include the 152nd Street Cultural Festival in the Bronx on May 27th, St. Patrick’s Day Mass on June 4th, the Annual Scholarship Gala on June 10th and the Chi-Chi Rodriguez Golf Tournament on September 6th.
More to Come
Stay tuned to ‘LLERO for more announcements. Because honors such as madrina, padrino, parade king and grand marshall’s are still to come!
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