Contact: Colleen Roche (212) 788-2958 or Nydia Negron (212) 788-9364
"It is a testimony to the progress of Puerto Ricans in America over the last 40 years that the parade has taken on a national identity," said Mayor Giuliani. "Puerto Ricans have risen to levels of prominence and respect throughout all sectors of our City--from public service, business, the arts and entertainment. Puerto Ricans have moved throughout the United States and the same values of family, faith, hard work and dedication that have contributed so much to our City are now being enjoyed and recognized by cities from coast to coast."
Ramon S. Velez, Chairman of the Parade Committee said, "This parade will serve to unite Puerto Ricans in a common agenda to develop our community based on education and self-esteem. On behalf of the Board of Directors, I'd like to express our appreciation to Mayor Giuliani for his support of our institutions. For this support, the committee adopts the Mayor as an honorary Puerto Rican."
The first Puerto Rican parade was held in New York City in 1958 and about 10,000 people attended. Presently, the parade is the largest open-air cultural celebration in the Northeast with more than 1.2 million attending.
Each year at this time, in conjunction with the Puerto Rican Day Parade, the City of New York officially designates a week for the appreciation of Puerto Rican culture, and to recognize the vast contributions of the Puerto Rican community in our City.