I hated the Puerto Rican Day Parade and wrote about it, you can read it here. I pitched my essay to ¡Capicú Culture! who picked me to be part of their social media team.
Our float had the honor of hosting the beautiful Rosario Dawson. Rosario Dawson came over, she was lovely. Taking pictures with fans and excited about being at the parade where she was Queen. She arrived with her mom and her grandmother. Three generations of women celebrating that day, to me is the definition of tradition. And I LOVE TRADITION.
I had never seen such sight. The avenue lined up with my flag. You can’t really understand the pride when you see your people.
The kids were waving flags and dressed in the red, white and blue. In that moment I understood my friends who celebrate the parade. It is pretty cool to be there and see that many flags and the Vejigantes, listen to the music, see the things that make us who we are.
On a personal level, I have to admit that I was beyond belief. I was at the Puerto Rican Day Parade for the first time- MARCHING IN THE PARADE. Going down 5th Ave, it was INSANE. It was a different New York, for a day I felt I was back in my Island with my people.
I spoke to a woman named Olga Rodriguez, she told me she wants her kids and grandkids to learn about Puerto Rican culture and history. The parade is part of that culture and history.
I am going to say that my view of the parade definitely changed.
I really do have a whole new set of feelings towards the parade.It is a day where we are seen and heard and we celebrate our pride.
