Puerto Rican Day Parade 2025

Participate in a celebration of one incredible culture and its history!

The National Puerto Rican Day Parade celebrates Puerto Rican culture, heritage, and contributions. Held annually in New York City since 1958, it takes place on the second Sunday of June and draws millions of spectators along Fifth Avenue in Manhattan.

The parade originated from the Puerto Rican Day Parade in Harlem, established in 1955 to allow Puerto Rican immigrants to express their cultural identity in a new environment. The excitement for a bigger festivity increased as the Puerto Rican community in NYC grew. In 1958, this enthusiasm led to the parade's official relocation to Fifth Avenue.

Beyond the parade itself, the event serves as a platform for cultural awareness and advocacy. It honors Puerto Rican contributions to education, politics, the arts, and business and provides scholarships and awards for outstanding students of Puerto Rican descent.

On June 8, 35 city blocks will feature the finest Puerto Rican music, dance, and much more. Mark the date and plan your trip to NYC!

What to Expect When Attending Puerto Rican Day Parade 2025

Plenty of events are organized throughout New York City before the parade. Some of them are the 152nd Street Cultural Festival on May 24, the Parade Mass at Saint Patrick's Cathedral on June 1, and the Scholarship Gala on June 6.

On the day of the parade, expect a sea of red, white, and blue as attendees wave Puerto Rican flags and chant ¡WEPA!.

You'll see the colorful parade floats representing different Puerto Rican towns, organizations, and sponsors. Marching bands, dance troupes, and cultural groups will present traditional Bomba, Plena, and Salsa performances.

The parade allows food lovers to explore authentic Puerto Rican cuisine from nearby restaurants and street vendors. While food stalls aren't part of the parade itself, local businesses in El Barrio (Spanish Harlem), the Bronx, and Lower Manhattan serve up favorites like mofongo, tostones, pernil, pasteles, and piraguas (Puerto Rican shaved ice).

You can observe the parade for free, but contingent registration is due by May 14, 2025. Everyone joining the parade must be part of a pre-registered group, which means individuals can't just hop in on a whim.

June in New York City brings us pleasant weather. Expect average daytime highs around 26 C (79 F) and nighttime lows near 17 C (63 F). You shouldn't be surprised by unexpected showers, so dress lightly, but bring an umbrella.

Security Protocols

As you make your way along Fifth Avenue, be prepared for security screenings at designated checkpoints. These checks will involve bag inspections and metal detector scans to help keep everyone safe by preventing prohibited items from entering the event space. To ensure a smoother experience, attendees are encouraged to travel light and use small, clear bags in line with the security guidelines.
Security personnel and NYPD officers will be on hand to help manage the crowds and enforce security regulations, always ready to respond to any safety concerns that may arise. Plus, there will be first aid stations along the parade route if someone needs assistance during the festivities.

How to Get To or From the Event

Here's how you can reach the event:

• Subway: Trains 4, 5, and 6 will take you to Grand Central at 42nd St or 86th St. Alternatively, N, R, and W trains will get you to 49th St. To reach Rockefeller Center (47th-50th Sts), use B, D, F, or M trains. The C and E trains will take you to 50th St, and you can reach Times Square at 42nd St with the 1, 2, or 3 trains.
• Bus: Take the M1, M2, M3, or M4 bus, which runs along Fifth Avenue (Southbound) or Madison Avenue (Northbound). Additional routes, such as the M5, M7, M42, and M50, provide access nearby.
• Car: It isn't recommended to go by car, as many streets will be closed, and it will be difficult to find a parking spot. If driving is necessary, use parking garages near 6th Ave or Lexington Ave and walk to the parade route.

Puerto Rican Day Parade 2025 Bag Policy

The parade organizers advise everyone to travel light. You should carry only essential items in small, clear bags, as large bags, backpacks, and items that could be considered hazardous are prohibited.

You can securely store your stuff with Bounce!

Bounce is the largest storage luggage network in the world, operating in over 4,000 cities. You can find our platform online or use the Bounce mobile app to book a store and drop off your luggage for a wonderful stay in NYC.

Puerto Rican Day Parade 2025 Bag Storage

Store Your Bags With Bounce and Join the Celebration

Pick a location in New York and book an available store there. For the price of only $4.90 per day and 24/7 support, you can fully enjoy your visit to this city and the Puerto Rican Day Parade. And we won't charge you anything if you have to change your plans.

How to Stow Your Bag at Puerto Rican Day Parade 2025 With Bounce

• Book: Find a store in the area that suits you, book, and pay online.
• Store your stuff: Drop off your bags at the chosen store after showing your payment confirmation.
• Enjoy the parade: Bring your family and friends and have an awesome time!

How to Make the Most Out of Puerto Rican Day Parade 2025

• Plan your arrival early: The parade attracts millions of spectators, so arrive at least 1-2 hours early to secure a good viewing spot.
• Dress for the occasion: Wear comfortable clothing and shoes since you'll be standing or walking for hours. Consider bringing Puerto Rican flags, hats, and themed outfits to immerse yourself fully in the celebration.
• Stay hydrated and snack smart: Bring water and light snacks, as food vendors may have long lines. Before or after the parade, check out nearby Puerto Rican restaurants for authentic cuisine (try lechón asado or mofongo!).
• Know the entertainment highlights: The parade features live music, dance performances, and special celebrity appearances. Follow the official pages for updates on scheduled acts. Look for famous Puerto Rican figures, from musicians to politicians.
• Explore Related Events: Check for other events, concerts, and food festivals in NYC that celebrate Puerto Rican heritage. The 152nd Street Cultural Festival in the Bronx is a must-visit!
• Support Puerto Rican causes and businesses: Consider donating to Puerto Rican scholarships or local charities that the parade supports. You can also visit Puerto Rican-owned businesses and restaurants in NYC to contribute to the Puerto Rican community.

NYC is waiting! While staying there, store your luggage with Bounce to get a closer look at Puerto Rican heritage.