What would the West Side be without the annual Puerto Rican and Hispanic Day Parade? This year, the ceremonial Flag Raising will take place on Thursday, September 3rd, at noon, at the steps of City Hall, which will signify two-weeks of Hispanic pride, leading up to the main event. The actual festival takes place throughout the course of an entire weekend – Friday, September 11 to Sunday, September 13, 2015.
The festival celebration kicks off on Friday evening of parade weekend. Then, on Saturday (September 12), the parade procession will leave the front steps of City Hall, starting at 1pm. From there, the Grand Marshal will lead revelers all the way to LaSalle Park, taking the most direct route possible – Niagara Street also known as Avenida San Juan. Then, the festive occasion carries on throughout the day on Sunday before wrapping up with a special concert.
Throughout the entire, weekend, the park will be dedicated to carnival rides, free concerts and plenty of Latina food. The entire community is encouraged to attend the weekend-long festival. There will be plenty of activities for all ages.
“Our Grand Marshal this year is a well know national company president, Robert “Bob” Unanue, Goya President,” said Yolanda Martinez-Rodriguez, PRHD Parade President. “This is a family company which has made Goya a household name in most Hispanic homes. Bob Unanue and Goya are grand supporters of many events worldwide, but most importantly they have supported and invested so much in our entire WNY community.”
Entertainment throughout the weekend includes:
- Singer Brenda K. Starr will perform Saturday evening, September 12, as well as a Mexican Mariachi band
- In partnering with Amor and Heritage, S-Kalona, a Colombian Vallenato band will perform on Saturday, September 12
- Young and great tropical singer and salsero, Frankie Negron, will close out the event on Sunday, September 14
Honorary Hosts for this year’s festival are Tamara O. Alsace, Evelyn Pizarro, Jose C. Pizarro and Blanca Rodriguez.
Poster image: Parade theme art (Orgullo De Nuestras Raices/Pride in our Roots)