The National Puerto Rican Day Parade in New York City was a vibrant celebration of Puerto Rican culture, heritage, and the contributions of the Puerto Rican diaspora in the United States. Held annually on the second Sunday of June, the 2025 parade spanned 35 city blocks in Manhattan. Revelers had their pride on display with lots of infectious dancing in the streets, and, of course, flags of all sizes took over Fifth Avenue as the parade made its way from 44th up to 79th Street. In addition to the many smiling faces, there were a sea of red, white and blue clothing everywhere. Custom cars painstakingly prepped, shined and tricked out for the parade were a crowd favorite. Joyous music, stunning performances, and colorful floats, helped to make this one of the most anticipated events of the year.
Plantando Bandera
The parade embraced the theme of “Plantando Bandera,” translating to “Planting Roots”. This theme powerfully conveyed the Puerto Rican community’s deep-seated pride in their presence, societal contributions, and unwavering dedication to preserving and honoring their cultural heritage and traditions. It underscored how their culture, identity, and contributions have become firmly established in contemporary society, exerting their influence globally. An important aspect and mission of the parade was the awarding of 100 scholarships to exceptional students making a difference in their community. They were valued at $2,000 each, for a total $200,000, made possible by the generosity of companies, organizations and individuals who invest in parade activities and make direct donations to the organization.
Culture and Heritage
The 2025 parade was estimated to draw a crowd of over 1 million spectators and participants. Among the prominent figures at the celebration were acclaimed film and television actor, Luis Guzmán as the parade’s king and six-time Grammy winner, Olga Tañón, honored as queen of the celebration. The event also paid tribute to Puerto Rican urban and contemporary art, highlighting the significant role Puerto Rican artists have played in shaping New York City’s street art movement.
Overall, the parade exemplified the enduring strength, resilience, and cultural pride of the Puerto Rican community.
