2025 Puerto Rican Day Parade Set to Take Over Fifth Avenue June 8

Sunday, June 8, 2025

Fifth Avenue from 44th to 79th Streets

The National Puerto Rican Day Parade returns to Manhattan’s Fifth Avenue on Sunday, June 8, 2025, marking the 68th annual celebration of Puerto Rican culture and pride. The parade will kick off at 11:00 a.m. and travel along Fifth Avenue from 44th Street to 79th Street, drawing more than one million spectators. Known as one of the largest and most spirited cultural events in the country, this year’s parade promises to be a vibrant celebration under the theme “Plantando Bandera.”

“Plantando Bandera”: Theme of Pride and Roots

The 2025 parade theme, Plantando Bandera—Spanish for “planting a flag”—symbolizes pride, heritage, and community strength. It reflects how Puerto Ricans across the diaspora have established deep roots and made positive contributions locally, nationally, and globally. Expect to see this theme brought to life in colorful floats, traditional music and dance, and the unmistakable red, white, and blue of the Puerto Rican flag flying high over Fifth Avenue.

Parade Highlights and Notable Honorees

This year’s parade will feature a star-studded lineup leading the procession. Grammy-winning singer Olga Tañón will reign as the Parade Queen, while actor Luis Guzmán serves as Parade King. Golden Globe-winning actress Gina Rodríguez and merengue icon Elvis Crespo will also appear as the Madrina and Padrino of the parade, respectively.

Special honors this year go to Aguas Buenas, Puerto Rico, and the Puerto Rican community in Atlanta, Georgia, showcasing the breadth of Puerto Rican culture across both the island and mainland U.S. A tribute to “La Parranda,” a beloved Puerto Rican holiday tradition, will also be featured prominently. The parade will be broadcast live on WABC-TV, bringing the celebration to millions more at home.

A Storied History of Cultural Celebration

The Puerto Rican Day Parade has deep roots in New York City, beginning in 1958 as a dedicated event to celebrate Puerto Rican culture and contributions. It replaced the broader Hispanic Day Parade, allowing for a focused spotlight on Puerto Rican identity. In 1995, the event expanded under the banner of the National Puerto Rican Day Parade, Inc., evolving into a year-round cultural institution.

Held annually on the second Sunday of June, the parade is a powerful display of cultural pride and solidarity. It honors the over 3 million residents of Puerto Rico and the 5+ million Puerto Ricans in the diaspora, especially in cities like New York. Through music, dance, and pageantry, the parade affirms Puerto Rican heritage and the enduring legacy of its people.

Fifth Avenue to Pulse with Boricua Pride

With a full lineup of floats, musical acts, dance groups, and community organizations, the 2025 National Puerto Rican Day Parade promises a day of joy, pride, and cultural richness. As crowds wave flags and dance to the rhythms of salsa, bomba, and reggaeton, the spirit of Puerto Rico will be on full display.

This year’s theme, Plantando Bandera, will echo not just through chants and banners—but in the legacy being passed down to new generations of Puerto Ricans who continue to thrive and contribute in every corner of society.

So whether you’re marching, spectating, or watching from home—¡Que viva Puerto Rico! Celebrate, remember, and wave that flag high.