The 36th annual Springfield Puerto Rican Parade, returning to the city on Sunday, is more than just a one-day event — it's a culmination of a monthslong celebration of the heritage, culture, and spirit of Puerto Rico.
"It's all coming into fruition and it's all gonna be a great time," Angelle Lopez, secretary of the Springfield Puerto Rican Parade Committee, told The Republican.
The Springfield Puerto Rican Parade Committee has been hosting events all summer long to celebrate Puerto Rican culture, including the immersive "La Casita Experience" at the MassMutual Center and a bus trip to celebrate Puerto Rican Heritage Night at Fenway Park.
The excitement will pick up right where it left off on Friday, when the Parade Committee kicks off parade weekend with its annual honoree breakfast at Wyckoff Country Club. The ticketed event is sold-out, Lopez noted, but there will be plenty of other opportunities for people to celebrate throughout the weekend.
Saturday begins with the second annual Pa'lante 5K, which steps off from Kenefick Park at 9 a.m. and finishes at 1500 Main St. There are routes available for both runners and walkers. Registration can be done online in advance, priced at $45 for adults and $25 for students 17 and younger.
"We're 50 away from 600 people attending our second event," Lopez said.
Early bib pick-up will be offered at Fleet Feet Longmeadow on Friday night, from 4-7 p.m., where people can also register in person for the 5K.
The 5K ends at Tower Square for a day of live entertainment from local bands, solo artists and live DJs. The night will end with headliner Nina Sky, a musical duo best known for their 2004 debut single "Move Ya Body."
"This is a completely free concert. People can just show up, enjoy the music, and cheer on the runners," Lopez said, adding that there also will be food vendors and activities for children at Tower Square.
Lopez also noted the Parade Committee's partnership with White Lion Brewing, which will be offering a brand-new beer — a Guava, Mango & Passionfruit Golden Ale, inspired by the tropical fruits of Puerto Rico. Proceeds from sales of the specialty drink will benefit the Parade Committee.
"The can design itself celebrates the connection between Springfield and Puerto Rico, featuring the city skyline alongside parade-inspired elements and nods to Puerto Rican culture," Lopez said. "Some of the imagery incorporated into the label even comes from past parades and floats, making it a really special piece of the celebration."
Miguel Rodriguez and Iris Mateo wave the Puerto Rican flags during the Springfield Puerto Rican Parade on Main Street Sunday afternoon, Sept. 17, 2023.(Hoang 'Leon' Nguyen / The Republican)
On Sunday, the 36th annual Puerto Rican Parade steps off from Main Street & Wason Avenue at 11 a.m. Hundreds of marchers and more than 100 parade contingents will make their way down Main Street to Boland Way, ending at Tower Square Park for another day of free music, family-friendly activities, vendors and food trucks. Up-and-coming artist Luis Figueroa will headline Sunday's lineup at 6 p.m. outside of Tower Square.
At the heart of all the weekend's festivities are this year's parade honorees, which Lopez said are people and organizations that truly spotlight the Puerto Rican community.
"It's important for us as a Puerto Rican organization to honor those in our community that are really breaking barriers," she said. "If you really look into the effect of what all of these individuals and their organizations bring to not just Springfield, but western Massachusetts, they're leaving a legacy behind."
This year's honorees include Gran Marshal Cesar Ruiz, Community Organization Ambassador Denise Jordan and the Springfield Housing Authority, LGBTQ+ Ambassador Frank Martinez-Lopez, 2026 Padrino Andrew Melendez, 2026 Madrina Zulmalee Rivera-Delgado, Youth Ambassador Aleyana Ramos-Batlle, Community Choice Ambassador Mary Irizarry of Ivy's Events, Civil Service Ambassador Hon. Bethzaida Sanabria-Vega, Cultural Ambassador Fiestas Patronales de Holyoke, Sports Ambassador Skylar Alicea, and Posthumous Ambassador Ramon Ernesto "Guatu" Baez.
"The newer generations can follow in their footsteps and just keep continuing to put us on the map," Lopez said.
Lopez added that all are welcome to come and celebrate this weekend — "it's not just limited to those that are Puerto Rican," she said. "We want people to dance and sing and laugh and eat."
Most of the weekend's events are free, Lopez noted, making them accessible to the whole community.
"This is our 36th year of doing this, and we hope to continue doing it for 36 more," Lopez said. "And we can only do that with the community coming out and celebrating with us."
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