The Puerto Rican communities of Springfield and Holyoke, Massachusetts, will be recognized this year during the Parade and a special tribute will be paid to the heroes who responded immediately to the recovery, reconstruction and renovation of Puerto Rico after the devastation caused by Hurricane Maria. The typical Puerto Rican music will also be recognized and celebrated.

Thursday, May 24, 2018, New York, NY – The Board of Directors of the Puerto Rican National Parade (NPRDP) announced additional topics and taxes that will be part of this year’s celebration of the 2018 Parade. of “Un Pueblo, Muchas Voces”, the Parada will continue its tradition of exalting the best of Puerto Rican culture and music while paying tribute to the heroes who contributed to the recovery, reconstruction and renovation after the passage of Hurricane Maria. Likewise, the Board revealed the names of distinguished Puerto Ricans who complete the list of personalities that will be honored during the Parade for Fifth Avenue on June 10, 2018.

“This year the Parade has a deep meaning while continuing to celebrate the best of our community becoming a platform for discussion of reconstruction, recovery and renovation work in Puerto Rico,” said Louis Maldonado, president of the Board of the NPRDP 2018. “The themes and personalities to be honored represent an exaltation to our rich culture and its multiple contributions to the global society. At the same time tribute is paid to countless individuals who acted in a heroic way in response to Hurricane Maria. “

The Parade of 2018 will be headed by the well-known actor Esaí Morales, who will serve as his Grand Marshal. Born in Brooklyn, Morales has excelled in major film roles including “La Bamba” and “My Family / My Family”, as well as in popular television series such as “Chicago PD,” “Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders” and ” Ozark. “With a career of 35 years, Morales has fought hard to eradicate the negative stereotype of Latinos in film and television. He is currently part of the Board of Directors of SAG-AFTRA.

Other prominent personalities will be recognized for their achievements and distinctive excellence in their respective fields. Former Miss Universe, television presenter, dancer and model Zuleyka Rivera was chosen as the Queen of the 2018 Parade. The living legend, the singer-songwriter and former member of the world-renowned Fania All Star, Ismael Miranda, will be exalted for his Musical Career (Lifetime Achievement Award). Other stars mentioned in the conference include Lucecita Benítez, recipient of recognition for her Lifetime Achievement Award, and Laura and Jorge Posada, as Godmother and Godfather respectively, and Carlos Beltrán as Athlete of the Year.

Honor for the Heroes after the passage of Hurricane Maria

Those who were the first to act like other local heroes who have demonstrated an ironclad commitment to provide emergency relief in this ongoing battle of recovery will also be honored this year. NPRDP 2018 will pay tribute to individuals and organizations that have demonstrated an extraordinary degree of commitment and dedication to help the victims in Puerto Rico.

“For the last 8 months we have witnessed the effort of rescue workers, community organizations and major events by ordinary men and women and their continued effort to provide humanitarian aid,” said Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez, a member of the NPRDP Board of Directors. This year we will recognize many of the heroes who continue to work hard in the process of recovery, reconstruction and renewal of our Island. “

The NPRDP 2018 Board of Directors will recognize David Begnaud, correspondent of CBS News, for his extraordinary and award-winning television coverage and documentation of the recovery efforts and progress made in the last 8 months in Puerto Rico. Begnaud will be honored with the special title of Puerto Rican Champion. Their reports echoed the voices of the people of Puerto Rico, and facilitated more than 5 million Puerto Rican residents of the Continental United States to keep informed of what was happening on the island after the passage of Hurricane Maria. The Board welcomed hundreds of messages through social networks requesting that Begnaud be honored for which this recognition takes an emotional turn special in this year’s celebrations.

The Parade also wants to acknowledge and greatly appreciate several of the many individuals and organizations who were among the first to respond to the great need for help following Maria’s passing, and who continue to provide humanitarian assistance to families in Puerto Rico and those who are They have left the island and are now displaced in the United States. The following organizations will be recognized with the title of Heroes: Hispanic Federation, November Committee, Catholic Charities, Link Project of the Martín Peña Channel, Super Heroes and Girls Foundation by Alejandra.

The situation in Puerto Rico continues in serious condition with thousands of families living without electricity, drinking water and other basic services of first necessity. For a large part of the population, access to medical services and education is far from being acceptable or adequate, which has triggered a humanitarian crisis that will require a collective effort of reconstruction and long-term renewal. While other families who have left the island continue without employment and adequate housing. The NPRDP recognizes and honors these organizations for the gigantic work they are doing and for helping to keep the situation of Puerto Rico in the public arena; all this at the same time that they strengthen their infrastructure and their work capacity to continue the heroic work that they continue to carry out for the recovery of Puerto Rico.