Parade seeks to draw CT Puerto Ricans to Old San Juan
Connecticut’s Puerto Rican community is invited to join the historic first official Puerto Rican Day Parade in Old San Juan on May 18. Representatives from the Coalition of Connecticut Puerto Rican Parades and Festivals will join the procession, showcasing the rich culture and heritage of Puerto Ricans in the state.
The parade is organized by JUNTE Boricua, an initiative based on the concept of heritage tourism and the project strives to mobilize citizens, communities, government and businesses to work collectively on behalf of Puerto Rico’s economic recovery for a social dividend, according to its website.
Sonia Alvelo, one of the 25 Connecticut ambassadors for JUNTE Boricua, announced the initiative publicly last week during a press conference in Hartford. She joined the project eight months ago with the goal getting as many Puerto Ricans as possible to the parade.
There are ambassadors in New York, Boston, Chicago, Philadelphia, Dallas and Miami, as well as Connecticut, according to Alvelo.
Alvelo says the idea came from The Gathering Ireland 2013, which was the largest ever tourism initiative held in Ireland. The concept was also built around heritage tourism.
The initiative will span four months, running from May 1 to Aug. 31, with festivities not only in the capital but also in various locations across Puerto Rico, including Lajas, Juana Díaz, Mayagüez, and more.
“We wanted to do that in Puerto Rico because we have such a big diaspora,” she said. “We need to help the economy in Puerto Rico, and it gives people a chance to learn and understand the Puerto Rican culture on a personal level.”
The U.S. Census Bureau estimates 298,000 Puerto Ricans live in Connecticut, making Connecticut one of seven states with the largest Puerto Rican populations.
Last week, JetBlue held a Junte Boricua sale for residents attending the event.
Avelo Airlines recently announced is is adjusting its flight schedule for Connecticut residents attending the Puerto Rican Parade. Nonstop flights, typically available only on Wednesdays and Saturdays, will now operate on Thursday, May 16, and Saturday, May 20.
Avelo flights depart from Tweed New Haven Airport to Puerto Rico’s San Juan Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport.
The direct service between Tweed and San Juan has been successful, New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker said in the press release.
“We are thrilled, but not surprised, that Avelo’s direct flight between New Haven and San Juan has been so successful,” Elicker said. “Many New Haven residents have deep and longstanding ties to Puerto Rico, and the direct flight has further strengthened this cultural bond and connection. It’s wonderful for residents from both locations to visit family and friends and for tourists to get to experience New Haven and San Juan, which are both vibrant and welcoming cities.”
Locals attending
Samuel Vega Jr., president of CICD Puerto Rican Parade Inc. in Hartford, says he will be making his way to Puerto Rico to celebrate. Born and raised in Hartford, Vega says that the parade resonates with him.
“We advocate a lot for Puerto Rico and try to keep the culture here so that we can show others,” he said. “It’s important to support the first Puerto Rican parade because it’s for people like me that were born and raised in the states and are now coming back to know more about their culture.”
He highlighted the importance of educating the new generation in Connecticut who are Puerto Rican about their cultural roots and the significance of their role in supporting the island’s economy.
Vega says that a few board members from CICD will be present at the parade with their families to help represent Connecticut.
Meriden Puerto Rican Festival Organizer Hector Cardona says that as of right now, the Meriden festival committee won’t be participating in the parade.
“I have let the committee know about it, but so far I haven’t heard back from them,” he said. “But we are part of the coalition, and they will be there to represent us.”
Alvelo will be there with her family too, celebrating their roots on the island.
“This will be the first time we all go to Puerto Rico together,” she said. “I’m so excited to be part of the parade.”