By Ivan Gomez
On August 17th, the Puerto Rican community of Lorain, Ohio, will gather to celebrate their rich cultural heritage with a parade and festival that promises to be an unforgettable event. The festivities will begin at 1 pm with a colorful parade, where local organizations will showcase the traditions of Puerto Rico through dances, performances, and traditional costumes that capture the essence of the island.
Starting at 2 pm, the festival will kick off, offering entertainment for the whole family. There will be a wide variety of food options with food trucks serving traditional dishes and other delights to satisfy all tastes.
This year, the Lorain community will honor Puerto Rican boxing legends, including Ricky Quiles, Freddy Barreiro, Wilkins Santiago, Eugene Ruiz, and Jaime Colón from Legacy Boxing Club. These distinguished athletes will be recognized for their contributions to boxing and their legacy within the community.
Cultural entertainment will be a highlight of the event, with live performances by Papo Ruiz and La Dulzura de la Salsa, Hiram and Sol Martinez, La Furia Nueva, and the most popular DJs of the moment. Additionally, as the Cultural Grand Marshal of the parade, Dr. Raquel Ortiz, an influential figure in promoting Puerto Rican culture, will be present.
Antonio Baez, one of the organizers of this year’s parade and festival and 6th Ward City Councilman, emphasized the importance of inclusivity within the event, stating, “We want to showcase our PR culture but also be inclusive. As the 6th Ward City Councilman, it’s my goal to bring all the Hispanic/Latino communities together—we are stronger together, and the PR parade festival is just one way to honor our culture and the people who came before us. But we can’t do it alone; we need to have a voice and a seat at the table for all decisions. I hope to be a steward of those conversations. This committee brought the festival back last year after a 7-year hiatus and we hope to do something unique next year.”
The parade and festival in Lorain offer a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the richness of Puerto Rican culture, celebrating with live music, food, and an atmosphere that reflects the spirit and tradition of Puerto Rico. Don’t miss it!
