Photo: Suzanne Sausville / WBZ NewsRadio
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — New England’s 55th annual Puerto Rican Festival finished up the weekend of celebrations with a parade Sunday afternoon.
After a two-year hiatus because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the festival returns to Boston. Parade-goers gathered on Cedar Street at noon, ending the parade route in Franklin Park where the festivities continued with music and amusement rides.
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The parade spanned through three neighborhoods in Boston, including areas in Jamaica Plain, Roxbury, and Dorchester.
According to the festival's website, the event is the fourth largest Puerto Rican Festival in the United States. It consisted of three days of music and cultural entertainment that celebrates Puerto Rican heritage.
Boston’s first Puerto Rican Veterans Services Commissioner and Parade Grand Marshal, Robert Santiago told WBZ's Suzanne Sausville he was excited to be taking part in the event.
“I do this with a lot of pride, also in the name of my mom— growing up she taught me what it means to be Puerto Rican,” Santiago said.
The Boston Red Sox began their Puerto Rican Heritage celebration at Fenway Park on July 27 kicking off the festivities, celebrating the pride of Puerto Rican players.
WBZ's Suzanne Sausville (@wbzSausville) reports.
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