On Sunday, September 17, 2023, The Puerto Rican Parade kicked off. People like Pa’lante Transformative Justice, Holyoke High Band and Cheerleaders, Mayor Garcia, and Holyoke Community College were present. Many food trucks and different kinds of attractions to visit before the parade drew lots of attention from citizens. The parade started at 11am and ended around 2pm, participants walking about 2 miles. In the end, there were around 6,000 contingents marching in the parade with around 122 floats.
This year’s theme for the Puerto Rican Parade is “Never forget your roots”. Lots of people on sides of the streets had spirit and cheered on local companies, dance studios, schools, and groups showing their respect to Hispanic Heritage. People like Sasha Viands, (The vice-chair of the parade committee) said she remembers when she was a little kid she would go and watch it. She has been a part of the committee for 7 years, and has passed this tradition on to her own daughter.
Holyoke Mayor Garcia attended the Puerto Rican Parade as the first Latino mayor in Holyoke and truly represented his Hispanic Heritage. Another awesome guest is singer, songwriter, and composer Heshima Moja who will serve as artistic director, assisting the committee in curating the parade and bringing other musical acts on board. The parade celebrates the largest group of Spanish-speaking residents in the Pioneer Valley.
“Having the festival and the parade just highlights how we ended up in the right place,” Ramos said. “This is a place where we can celebrate — not just be welcomed — but we can celebrate our culture.”
The Puerto Rican parade is a place to celebrate the culture of every Hispanic race and to come together as a community and bond as one. The festival is a great event to check out, and an opportunity to get delicious food as well as participate in the city and school spirit represented in this parade. You could hear music from every direction from different bands and people’s personal speakers. You can see the iconic Puerto Rican flag and if you haven’t attended this parade, you should next year!
