The official Greater Hartford Puerto Rican Day Parade traveled down Wethersfield Avenue and Main Street on Sunday, but an unofficial pre-parade began the night before on Park Street and continued until at least three in the morning. I have included photos and videos from both events.
The Greater Hartford Puerto Rican Day Parade has been happening in Connecticut for 47 years — longer than the Greater Hartford St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
To the left is a photo of cars doing burnouts on Park Street. This happened about once every five or ten minutes.
Horns and hollering could be heard at least two blocks away.
For most of the evening there was nary a cop in sight on Park Street.
The man in the video above was also doing suggestive dancing with the street, but I failed to capture that on camera. You’re welcome.
Most of the autos participating were of the nondescript variety, but a few classics passed through.
To the left of the ambulance is where the main area of the Lyric Theater used to be.
There were many SUVs, cars, and minivans with people hanging out of windows, sunroofs, and doors.
The firefighters had chairs set up so they could watch the action.
The Festival del Coqui followed the official parade today.
Notice the three flags: Puerto Rico, Connecticut, and United States.
The Riverfront Plaza was packed following the parade.
I hope my tax dollars did not pay for that hat.
Bikes were — as they should be — everywhere.
If only one could stand in the middle of Main Street every day.
Pageant winners were in abundance.
If you have ever stared at the ceiling until five in the morning wondering where ever you could possibly find an inflatable dolphin, wonder no longer.
There were more police and security at the official parade than at the gathering last night.
To view more photos, go to my Photobucket page.
or see the follow-up post.
Scott
Horns and hollering………….you forgot lot’s of Ragggaeton blaring out of cars. What’s up with all the flags already?
Jennifer
GI was at the parade today, down franklin street. I was so dissapointed. I brought my 5year old daughter and now I wish I had not. There were young underaged women hanging out of car windows with little or nothing on their bodies. One was dancing nearly naked on the top of a parked car, with small children in it. So many people showing hommage to our heritage, some people went out of their way to make us look like a lower class of people. Every where I looked I saw doing burnouts and conducting their selfs like animals..I’m proud of who I am! I’m embarassed that my people would act that way in front of so many children! They are our future, and if this is the way they are being raised, I will have no part of it!
Community Supporter
The official parade and festival were a success with no incidents. The group that sponsors the official parade works hard to promote a postive and safe event. The idiots who think that pride is shown by that behavior are mostly young people who don’t even know what it is to be Puerto Rican. I hope at least the public knows how to identify the difference between the people who are proud vs the folks who have nothing better to do or don’t know any better!
Kerri Provost
Thanks for leaving this comment. There was a clear difference between the officially sanctioned parade and all of the other activities that took place. When I post the second round of pictures, I will add a bit more to that. I also hope the public can tell the difference.
Carlos Velazquez
They aren’t idiots, althought thier behaviors were indeed immature.
Carlos Velazquez
I hope that you all will understand that these people are proud of their culture. When Irish people go out drinking until they can’t walk after St. Patty’s day, it is looked at as taboo, yet when Puerto Ricans celebrate their culture we are looked at as rowdy. I hope you will all take to heart the true message of our fine culture which promotes respect for all and pride for those of the Island!!
Kerri Provost
The only time I have ever seen anyone actually get kicked out of a restaurant was on St. Patrick’s Day.
Carlos Velazquez
Anywho, I feel like it was an overall successful event, and besides the minor incidents that happened while people “celebrated”, the CICD did a great job in creating a successful event, and werent associated with the rowdiness afterwards. These people just get excited because they are proud.