A Vibrant Celebration: Puerto Rican Day Parade 2026 Takes Over Fifth Avenue

News 4’s Lynda Baquero reports that the 2026 Puerto Rican Day Parade turned Fifth Avenue into a vibrant party spot as people from all over gathered to celebrate life and culture.

On a bright, sunny day, the sea of red, white, and blue flags showed off Puerto Rican pride during the 69th edition of the parade.

For Rolando Miranda of Jackson Heights, Queens, the experience felt like a piece of home, 'It’s amazing, I feel like a piece of home flew over here,' he said.

Grand marshal and Latin Grammy winner Daddy Yankee headlined the festivities with roughly one million Puerto Ricans living in the New York area, elected leaders joined the outdoor party.

Gov. Kathy Hochul celebrated the heritage and resilience of the Puerto Rican people, saying 'To show our pride in the heritage and the story of resilience that comes from the great Puerto Rican people who are New Yorkers.'

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, wearing a Knicks jersey after the team's championship victory, expressed his gratitude to the Puerto Rican community, 'It’s a day to celebrate the Puerto Rican community in our city and what 'Nuyoricans' have given to this city time and again.'

Parade 'King' Anthony Ramos of 'Hamilton' fame showed his Knicks spirit, 'I came here as a kid... It’s beautiful. It’s a dream to come out here.'

This year's parade theme was 'we are more than 100 by 35,' referencing the island's size, 'Small, but mighty.'

Tito Puente Jr. joined the Goya float, and colleagues from NBC4 and Telemundo47 saluted Puerto Ricans, marching from 44th to 79th Streets.

Four-year-old 'Scarlett' marked her second parade visit, watching with her mom, 'We love coming because of the culture and the atmosphere, ' said Tiffany Fernández. 'We love to see Daddy Yankee and all the celebrities that come. We have a great time!'

Mamdani exclaimed, 'Yo soy boricua pa’ que tu lo sepa (I am Boricua so you know),' adding that the parade allows many New Yorkers to claim 'boricua' as their identity, at least for a day.