Poz Puerto Rico Day Parade in Manhattan

The Puerto Rico Day Parade brought in a huge crowd on Sunday in Manhattan, showcasing what its organizers tout as the largest cultural festival of its kind.

The vibrant sound of Bomba music filled the air along Fifth Avenue, as bright sunshine illuminated the sea of red, white, and blue attire worn by the attendees, all smiling and celebrating.

“Everyone is having a great time. Representing Puerto Rico means representing all our hearts,” said Chris Santiago, 23, from the Bronx, who has attended the parade since childhood.

“I’m just celebrating like every Puerto Rican does. Having a good time, maybe a bit too much to drink, but that’s how we do it,” he added. “If you know Puerto Ricans, you know how we roll.”

And he wasn’t wrong. The energy was palpable as the festivities rolled from midtown to the Upper East Side, featuring well-known participants like Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny.

Dance, as described by 30-year-old Napoleoni, was something “beautiful,” and it resonated with attendees of all ages.

“Look around; we represent ourselves and our history,” she expressed. “Today, we’re all here together, embracing our identities, regardless of our backgrounds.”

This year marked the 68th annual parade.

While it’s hard to determine exactly how many people attended, organizers anticipated more than a million participants.

Among those celebrating was Lisa Santiago, 35, from the Lower East Side, who attended for the first time without her father, who passed away recently.

“We’re just here, enjoying the music and dancing, with some rum and Bacardi,” she noted, proudly wearing a baseball jersey and a gold Yankees pendant that belonged to her father.

She shared mixed emotions about the day, feeling her father’s presence in spirit. “It’s bittersweet—both joyful and sad. I know he’s here with me. Trust me, he is. Every time I wave the flag, I feel him,” she said.