By: Aaliyah Collins, Follow South Jersey Community Journalist
CAMDEN, N.J. – The community came together on Sunday, June 29, for the 68th annual Puerto Rican Parade in Camden.
Every year, Parada San Juan Bautista, Inc. puts together this parade. Local organizations such as businesses, schools, dance and music companies, and clubs, participate in this parade along with other residents and neighbors.
All participants display the Puerto Rican flag to represent their island and wave it proudly. There are 3 different versions of the Puerto Rican flag that are used.
The flag with a light blue triangle represents the island’s independence. This flag was created in 1895, but has begun to be used more in recent years.
The more commonly used flag is one with a darker shade of blue, made to match the colors on the American flag.
The black and white flag is not as commonly seen as the others, but still displays a strong message .This flag was created in 2016, when an artist painted a black and white flag over an original Puerto Rican flag on an abandoned door in Old San Juan. It symbolizes resistance, strength, and pro-independence.
Listen below about the Puerto Rican flag
Those who came to watch threw on blue, white, red, and/or black. Some of their clothes told a story, with pictures of the flag, coqui, or the island. Some even dedicated their entire outfit (socks, accessories, nails) to replicate the flag or the flag colors.
Though the sun was shining and giving off a high of over 90 degrees, people danced to the Puerto Rican classics and newest hits. Not to mention, the performers put on their best show as they walked from 7th & Elm St. to Riverside Dr.
“It’s always special, any opportunity that we get to share our traditions and our culture,“ says Vanessa Maria Graber, 44, co-founder of the Philly Boricuas. “I think that inspires a feeling of happiness and pride for our culture.”
She discusses how beautiful it is to attend these parades. Different genres of music such as salsa, merengue, and reggaeton are played throughout the entire day. Popular foods and desserts such as pastelillos, limber, and pinchos are served. Traditional clothing is worn by participants in the parade.
Listen below for more information about Puerto Rican culture
The parade finished with a festival where everyone came together to celebrate Puerto Rican traditions and cultures. Towards the end, a concert was put on with Brenda K. Starr as the headliner.
Even after the parade and concert, people continued to celebrate throughout the entire day. They joined families and friends to listen to music, eat food, and engage in conversation.
Watch highlights of the parade in the video below
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