New York Puerto Rican Day Parade

The first New York Puerto Rican Day Parade was held in "El Barrio" in Manhattan. Amongst its founders were; José "Chuito" Caballero, Peter Ortiz, Luisa Quintero, Victor López, Luis Amando Feliciano, Vicente Hernández, Angel M. Arroyo, Atanacio Rivera Feliciano, y Amalio Maisanave Ríos. Its first President was Victor López and it was coordinated by José Caballero. The Grand Marshall was Oscar González Suarez, Esq. Prominent personalites from Puerto Rico headed by then Governor Don Luis Muñoz Marin, attended the initial parade. Several Mayors from Puerto Rico, led by the Mayor of the Municipality of Corozal, Hon. Leo Cabranes also participated.
In 1995 we felt that it was time to expand this event to the national scene, reminding Puerto Ricans throughout the country of their heritage and fostering the positive image of our people. Get ready for one of New York's most colorful and festive parades — as New Yoricans celebrate the 52nd annual Puerto Rican Day Parade on June 14, 2009.
If last year was any indication, expect to see more than 80,000 people marching, and close to 3 million revelers lining the parade route for a major Puerto Rican love-fest. Although celebrations of Puerto Rican heritage take place in cities across the U.S, New York's own Puerto Rican Day Parade is, in fact, the city's largest parade and second biggest public celebration after the Labor Day West Indian American Day Carnival in Brooklyn. The first New York Puerto Rican Day Parade was held in Spanish Harlem in Manhattan in 1958, and from its humble beginnings grew to reflect not only a growing number of New York-born residents of Puerto Rican descent, but an increased pride in Puerto Rican roots, culture, and tradition.
The parade marches along Fifth Avenue from 44th Street to 86th Street and includes delegates from various towns of Puerto Rico and U.S. states across the country.
In a testament to its popularity, the spectacle annually receives the highest local Nielsen ratings for stations in the New York area when it is televised for three hours on local channel FOX 5 with afternoon coverage on WOR Channel 9.

Saturday, June 13, 2009 - 12:00 noon to 7:00 pm
National Puerto Rican Day Parade, Inc.
Brooklyn Musical Festival
McCarren Park (corner of Lorimer & Driggs Streets) in Williamsburg
Brooklyn, NY
Note: OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Sunday, June 14, 2009 - 8:00 am
National Puerto Rican Day Parade, Inc.
Annual Parade Breakfast
New York Marriot Marquis Hotel
1535 Broadway (between 45th & 46th Streets) New York, NY
Note: BY INVITATION ONLY
Sunday, June 14, 2009 - 11:00 am
2009 National Puerto Rican Day Parade
Along Fifth Avenue (from 44th Street to 86th Street) New York, NY
Note: OPEN TO THE PUBLIC