Thousands celebrate at NYC Puerto Rican Day Parade
WIRE SERVICE
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
NEW YORK — With smiles and cheers, music and dancing, a sea of revelers decked out in the red, white and blue of Puerto Rico's flag stood along Fifth Avenue on Sunday to celebrate the Puerto Rican Day Parade.
"I like to see the people with all the energy they have," said 68-year-old Jorge Malave of West New York, N.J., a regular at the parade who was born in Puerto Rico and came to the United States when he was 10.
Claudia Albarado was lined up next to the parade route by 8:30 a.m., hours before the start, to stake out a good spot. The 65-year-old, born in Puerto Rico and living in Union City, N.J., was wearing a T-shirt that said "When I die and Heaven does not want me, take me straight to Puerto Rico."
"I see all my people here. I'm very happy," she said.
The annual event is known for bringing out huge crowds — Sunday's parade-goers stood several people deep to watch — as it makes its way up Fifth Avenue with
AP
Parade king Marc Anthony and his wife Jennifer Lopez make their way up Fifth Avenue during the Puerto Rican Day Parade Sunday.
Claudia Albarado was lined up next to the parade route by 8:30 a.m., hours before the start, to stake out a good spot. The 65-year-old, born in Puerto Rico and living in Union City, N.J., was wearing a T-shirt that said "When I die and Heaven does not want me, take me straight to Puerto Rico."
"I see all my people here. I'm very happy," she said.
The annual event is known for bringing out huge crowds — Sunday's parade-goers stood several people deep to watch — as it makes its way up Fifth Avenue with