Puerto Rico celebrated in grand style as part of Hispanic Heritage Month festivities in Philadelphia. On Friday, September 26th, City Hall was the stage for the traditional raising of the Puerto Rican flag, in a moving ceremony that brought together community leaders, public officials, and residents proud of their roots.
The initiative, led by Councilwoman Quetcy Lozada, featured live music from the Bomberos de Filadelfia, who added a special touch to the event that highlighted the importance of keeping this tradition alive in the city. “This event symbolizes our commitment to Puerto Rican culture and heritage here in Philadelphia,” Lozada stated.
Among those in attendance were notable figures such as Reverend Luis Cortés, Reverend Bonnie Camarda, and William García Director of the Office of Latino Engagement in the Office of Mayor Cherelle Parker. They joined in honoring renowned musician Pablo Batista, a local icon in Latin music. The Philadelphia City Council was also present, showing support for the celebrations and publicly recognizing the Puerto Rican community’s contributions to the city’s social and economic fabric. Councilwoman Lozada emphasized that these festivities are an opportunity to promote inclusion and respect for all cultures that enrich Philadelphia.
One of the most emotional moments occurred when a giant Puerto Rican flag was unfurled as the anthem La Borinqueña was sung—an event that underscored the significance of these celebrations in making Puerto Rican culture visible and promoting pride in identity among the younger generations. The ceremony ended in a festive atmosphere where guests enjoyed lunch accompanied by Latin rhythms, further strengthening the sense of community and unity.
The celebration didn’t end there, as the festivities continued through Sunday with the highly anticipated Puerto Rican Day Parade, which gathered hundreds of people to enjoy music, dancing, troupes, and colorful floats. Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker led the parade, a moment when everyone showed their sense of belonging and cultural pride.
One of the standout moments was the appearance of “Guagua 47,” an iconic symbol of Puerto Rican culture. The project, led by Alba Martínez, showcased a float full of symbolism and tradition. “The Guagua 47 float in the parade is a tribute to Latinos, created by the hands of the Latino community in Philadelphia. Everyone came together to create something beautiful. For months, people came to Taller Puertorriqueño to help and guide the process everything was made by the community’s hands,” she shared.
Other organizations also took part in the event, including Los Rumberos Jeep, Taller Puertorriqueño, and APM. Marilyn Rodríguez was the creator behind one of the floats’ concepts: “I wanted to highlight our culture, designed to showcase the fields of the 1900s, using wood and an old-fashioned style to develop the concept.”
Children and teenagers also received much applause for their performances, which included salsa, merengue, bomba, and plena dances. The group Atabey, which traveled from Puerto Rico, captivated the audience with a lively and authentic bomba and plena performance that filled the air with joy. Additionally, dancers from Esperanza Academy proudly wore the Puerto Rican flag in their costumes, inviting everyone to celebrate and enjoy together.
Among the crowd was the Quintana family from Moca, who hadn’t visited Philadelphia in 20 years. “Being able to show my children our music and culture is a privilege,” said the proud father.
Undoubtedly, these celebrations reflect the joy, music, and, above all, the deep Puerto Rican pride that thrives in Philadelphia—a community that keeps its identity and traditions alive with passion and respect.
