CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – The past few weeks have been a whirlwind at the Julia de Burgos Center as this year’s Puerto Rican parade draws near.
“It’s just really exciting to be a part of an event that’s about our community, and it’s just a day of joy,” said executive director Letitia Lopez.
The center designed to uphold and retain Latino culture in the city has a long history with the parade, organizing it until responsibilities were passed on to the Hispanic Police Officers Association in 2018.
“We’re proud of the work they’re doing with the tradition and carrying it on,” Lopez said.
This year, volunteers and young dancers are practicing their moves to perform traditional Puerto Rican dances in front of thousands of festival attendees: “Our families and our students get really excited about performing on the big stage in front of a big audience.”
High school students also took part in preparations through the after school program Esperanza Inc. Participants built crafts and decorations for a number of future events, including the parade.
“They made the headpieces for the dancers,” Lopez explained, “they came out beautiful and they’re really proud of their work.”
As with other years, the Latina Image Program, hosted by the Julia de Burgos Center, will also leave its mark on the parade, as it chooses teen girl participants to stand on a float as ambassadors.
“Our goal is always to make sure our kids feel like they’re seen and our parents are proud of them,” Lopez said.
This year’s Puerto Rican Parade and Festival is set for August 2nd and 3rd along Scranton Road in Cleveland’s West side.
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