Puerto Rican Day Parade fills Midtown streets with Boricua pride | amNewYork

Thousands celebrate Puerto Rican heritage and culture at the 67th annual Puerto Rican Day Parade on Fifth Avenue. #BoricuaDeCorazon

The 67th annual Puerto Rican Day Parade was a sight to behold on Fifth Avenue, with thousands of spectators lining the streets to celebrate their Puerto Rican heritage and culture. The parade featured over 170 groups and 70 floats of marchers, all coming together to showcase the best of Puerto Rican pride.

The festivities kicked off at 11 a.m. on June 9th, starting from Fifth Avenue and 44th Street and making its way uptown to 79th Street. The parade was a vibrant display of dancers, music, and a sea of red, white, and blue Puerto Rican flags, all under the theme of "Boricua de Corazón" or "Puerto Rican in your heart."

Many elected officials joined in the march, including Governor Kathy Hochul and Mayor Eric Adams. Governor Hochul, who recently made headlines for her decision on congestion pricing, marched with the nonprofit group Somos, while Mayor Adams led his own contingent and praised the energy and spirit of the crowd.

Mayor Adams expressed his excitement for the parade, highlighting the large Puerto Rican community in the city and the important role they play in shaping its culture. He commended the leadership positions held by Puerto Ricans in the city and emphasized the significance of the parade in celebrating their contributions.

The parade's grand marshal was salsa singer Tito Nieves, with hip-hop star Lisa Lisa serving as the 2024 Madrina. Other honorees included Yankees pitcher Marcus Stroman, boxer Xander Zayas, and LGBTQ+ activist Victoria Cruz. The parade was a true celebration of Puerto Rican culture and heritage, bringing together people from all walks of life to honor and showcase the beauty of the Puerto Rican community.