Springfield Puerto Rican Parade hosts kickoff celebration

Date: 7/5/2023

SPRINGFIELD — A large crowd gathered at White Lion Brewing Company on June 29 for the Puerto Rican Parade kickoff celebration and ambassador honorees reveal.

This year’s Springfield Puerto Rican Parade — the 33rd annual — is set to take place on Sept. 17.
In preparation for the celebration, the 2023 theme was announced which is “Nunca olvides tus raíces.” This translates to “never forget your roots.” The theme was created by community member Mariela Villafañe Camacho.

Springfield Puerto Rican Parade President Kelvin Molina shared that the parade has a new vision and mission.

“The vision is for a world where Puerto Rican heritage is recognized and celebrated for its unique contributions to society,” he said.

Molina noted that they aspire to be a leader in promoting cultural awareness, unity and empowerment within the Puerto Rican community and beyond.

He continued, “[The] mission is to uplift and empower the community by celebrating Puerto Rican culture, challenging stereotypes, preserving heritage, providing eccentric cultural expression, representing our island and leaving a lasting legacy.”

Molina recognized Victoria Rodriguez, the outgoing committee chair, for her all her efforts in serving since 2015.

The board members went on to announce this year’s ambassadors as follows:

Civil Service Ambassador — Julio Toledo.
Community Organization Ambassador — Baystate Health.
Cultural Ambassador — Waleska Santiago.
A new ambassadorship this year is the LGBTQIA+, which was awarded to Taurean Bethea, founder of the Springfield Pride Parade.
Madrina [godmother] — Jasarah Burgos.
Padrino [godfather] — Cesar Ruiz.
Sports Ambassador — Roberto Fontanez.
Youth Ambassador — Robert Bryan Rivera Martinez.
Community Champion, Posthumous Award — Terry Rodriguez. Rodriguez, who recently died, worked at the New North Citizens Council and served as chair of the Parks Commission, among other city positions. Her family accepted the award on her behalf.
Grand Marshal — Waleska Logo-DeJesus. Molina said her selection as the grand marshal “signifies her outstanding contributions to the community and her commitment to fostering positive social change.”
The ambassadors will play a vital role in promoting and representing the parade in their respective categories.

Molina shared that they are looking for volunteers to assist with this year’s parade. He noted that the community “showed up” last year and is hoping for the same turnout again. Anyone interested in volunteering can visit springfieldprparade.com for more information.

The parade spans 2.1 miles through the center of Springfield — starting in the North End neighborhood and ending in downtown.

It was founded in 1989, in the aftermath of Hurricane Hugo, to uplift the spirits of the community and recognize the contributions made by the Puerto Rican community. The parade has since — and continues to — grow in size and scope.