SPRINGFIELD — Nearly 10,000 people are expected to line Main Street on Sept. 14 to celebrate their culture as the 35th annual Springfield Puerto Rican Parade steps off.
“Part of our mission is to lift the voice of the Puerto Rican community,” said Angelle Lopez, board member of the Springfield Puerto Rican Parade Commitee, about their mission to uplift and empower the Puerto Rican community. The parade committee aims to challenge stereotypes, preserve heritage, provide a sanctuary for cultural expression, and represent the island.
The parade kicks off at 11 a.m. from Main Street and Wason Avenue, marching through downtown with bright decorative floats, traditional dance, community organizations, and local leaders.
This year’s theme, “Afro Boricua,” honors the deep African roots within Puerto Rican history and culture — recognizing the traditions, rhythms, and resilience that continue to shape Boricua identity today. From Bomba and plena beats to vibrant traditional art and cuisine, this year’s parade will highlight the ways African heritage lives on in Puerto Rican communities.
Leading this year’s parade will be Holyoke Mayor Joshua Garcia who was selected as 2025 Grand Marshal. “Mayor Garcia stands as a proud son of the diaspora. His journey is rooted in service, resilience, and deep cultural pride, reflecting the heart of Afro Boricua,” a press release from the parade committee read.
“It is very exciting and a huge honor to have been granted this opportunity to lead the parade as grand marshal. I know that when Holyoke has our Saint Patrick’s Parde, the committee puts a lot of thought into who will lead the parade, so it is truly humbling to be selected by the Springfield Puerto Rican Parade Board of Directors,” Garcia said.
“The parade is one way the Puerto Rican community gets to showcase their culture and many contributions to the community. It helps to develop pride. If there is no pride, there is no community,” he added, noting he will be accompanied in the parade by a large contingent of Holyoke officials and others marching with him.
This year’s parade begins a new tradition — the addition of the inaugural Pa’lante 5K.
“The community reached out to us saying that they ‘really wanted’ something health driven to include in the celebratory parade,” Lopez said about the creation of Pa’lante 5K.
In a press release announcing the race, it was noted that Pa’lante means “moving forward,” and that the race is “a way to embrace our roots, celebrate wellness, and unite our community con orgullo (pride) and corazón (heart).”
The race will take place on Sunday beginning at Kenefick Park and follow the parade route through downtown Springfield, finishing at Main Street and Bridge Street.
Check-in for the race begins at 7 a.m. with the race stepping off at 8 a.m. Registration is $40 in advance or $50 day-of. To register and learn more about the Pa’lante 5K, visit springfieldprparade.com/run.
There is also plenty of fun to be had before and after the parade from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Tower Square Park, where family-friendly activities will be held. In collaboration with the Springfield Cultural Partnership, the space will feature free art and cultural workshops led by local Puerto Rican artists. Guests will also enjoy games, face painting, live performance from special guests, food from more than 18 food trucks, as well as local vendors and artisans. Madison Curbelo, semifinalist on Season 15 of NBC’s “The Voice,” will perform a free show at the park.
MGM Springfield and Salsa Sal Pa Fuera have also collaborated to bring high-energy performances, dancing, and live music to the heart of downtown after the parade from 2 to 6 p.m. The highlight of the afternoon will be a performance by former Puerto Rican salsa band Grupo Niche singer Osvaldo Román.
Additional honorees selected by the parade’s board of directors for 2025 include Padrino Ambassador Jose Delgado; Madrina Ambassador Ana “Anita” Soto; Posthumous Ambassador Ana E. Andino Santiago; Community Choice Ambassador Alberto Navarro; Community Organization Ambassador Black Men of Greater Springfield; Civil Service Ambassador Chief Jacqueline Robles; Cultural Ambassador Peter “DJ Qremoso” Delgado; LGBTQ+ Ambassador Michelle Nicole Acevedo; Sports Ambassador Zoe Melia; and Youth Ambassador Judah Barack Cacique.
For more information, go online to www.springfieldprparade.com, or follow the Parade Committee on Facebook.
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