Today, the annual Florida Puerto Rican Day Parade and Festival was held in Downtown Orlando.
Thousands of people celebrated with great music, an old-school car show and amazing food. Those were just a few of the highlights Central Floridians experienced today.
Photo: Rhetta Peoples
The parade and festival happens every year in Downtown Orlando. This year’s celebration featured the municipality of Juncos, nicknamed “La Ciudad del Valenciano,” which is Spanish for “the Valencian city.” The municipality is also often called “The Mules of the Valencian.”
Parade Goers Albert Fairley (Standing) and Anthony Gilcrease enjoy the parade
Photo: Rhetta Peoples
The theme of the parade this year was “Civic Engagement and Responsibilities” which is fitting for this significant election year. To support the theme, voter registration, community volunteering and encouraging attendees to run for various political offices were highlighted.
Juncos has some similarities to Orlando. Juncos, as well as Orlando, is known for its sports scene, great food and thriving businesses.
According to the 2020 Census, 13% of Orlando’s residents, in relation to the total population are Puerto Rican.
In addition, Orlando’s metropolitan area ranks second with almost 387,000 Puerto Rican residents.
The parade route began at Robinson Street near Lake Eola and ended at the intersection of West Livingston Street and North Orange Avenue.
