Next week, hundreds of Connecticut residents will touch down in San Juan, Puerto Rico to celebrate the historic moment.
“I'm so excited to see everyone come together for one purpose and support each other,” said CICD President Sammy Vega.
Next Saturday, May 18th, the first-ever Puerto Rican parade will be held in San Juan, Puerto Rico. This is part of a larger, months-long initiative organized by Junte Boricua to increase tourism to the island. This initiative served as an even bigger opportunity.
“It was like a family gathering. They hadn't seen each other for a long time, myself included,” said Junte Boricua Ambassador Sonia Alvero.
For former Hartford Fire Chief Edward Casares, this will be a chance to reunite with his family for the first time in more than a decade. He is also celebrating his 48th wedding anniversary with his wife.
“It all comes together and there's no place better than where you were born. We're both from there, our families are both from there,” Casares said. .
Sammy Vega, president of the Connecticut Community Development Institute/Puerto Rico Parade Committee, will participate in the parade along with other Connecticut parade committees, including New Haven.
“I feel like I’m going to be in the history books,” Vega said.
Vega, an attorney at Dressler Law, also plans to visit two schools to celebrate the end of the school year.
“We're going to give them some gift cards, we're going to give them some family vacation packages because this is their last day of school, we're going to rent some bouncy houses and we're going to have a party and a celebration.” Vega said.
Alvero said the parade is more than just a celebratory event. The festival promotes business on the island and helps educate the next generation.
“I just want them to remember something powerful in our culture, so they actually remember when I'm not here. Oh my God, I'm We must continue this tradition.” Alvero said.
Ambassador and entrepreneur Kayelani Vazquez will be accompanied by like-minded businesswomen. She describes it as the moment when her dream came true.
“So it's an honor to be able to deliver what I do and a small part of me as Keilani, and to be alongside influential women like Sonia that I admire. The best. I feel like I am realizing a big dream,” said Kayelani Vazquez, Ambassador of Junte Boricua.
More than 150 Connecticut residents are expected to participate in the parade. Latin Financial sponsored his two Connecticut floats to travel along the parade route.
