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Puerto Rican Day festival brings celebration of Hispanic heritage to Palm Bay

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Puerto Rican Day festival brings celebration of Hispanic heritage to Palm Bay

Tito Puente Jr. to headline at the 27th annual Puerto Rican Day parade and festival in Palm Bay on Oct. 6, a celebration of Hispanic heritage and pride.

Fred Poppe Regional Park in Palm Bay will come alive with the vibrant rhythms of salsa, the beats of reggaetón and the music of Tito Puente Jr., as United Third Bridge (U.T.B.) hosts the 27th annual Puerto Rican Day parade and festival on Sunday. The event takes place from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Oct. 6.

“It is such a colorful display of our Hispanic heritage and pride,” said Evelyn Thomson, the event’s entertainment coordinator.

The oldest Puerto Rican Day parade in Florida, it was brought to Brevard in 1997 by U.T.B. founder Samuel C. Lopez, who died in 2021. The event honors his legacy by providing the Samuel Casiano Lopez memorial scholarship to benefit Hispanic students pursuing higher education. But more than that, the event is a celebration of Puerto Rican culture.

“It draws the community out during Hispanic Heritage Month to celebrate and share the rich culture of Hispanics,” Thomson said.

“Attendees get to experience a magnificent colorful display of our Hispanic heritage, and celebrate with our local businesses and community. Beautiful costumes, Latin music, gorgeous floats, and cars are decorated with great pride.”

The parade kicks off the event at 10 a.m., but participants and spectators must be in the park by 9 a.m., when the the park closes to vehicle traffic. The parade, which will feature festive floats, high school bands, antique cars and more, will follow the concrete road around the perimeter of the park. Spectators will be given Puerto Rican flags to wave during the parade, while supplies last. 

Thomson believes this year’s parade theme of “Empowering Women” will resonate by “elevating women’s achievements and participation throughout our society by valuing their contribution to the community, culture, education, arts, family and the economy,” she said.

Following the parade, the festival will feature live music by Tito Puente Jr., performing with Zalsa en Control Orchestra. Puente is currently on tour celebrating the 100-year legacy of his father, Tito Puente.

“We are honored to have him join us again this year,” Thomson said. “In addition, we have Marcus Hernandez and Orchestra Fuego who just won best album and best music video at the 2024 Independent Music Awards, along with several other talented performers and entertainers.”

In addition to the live music, the festival will have food trucks, an antique car show, a kid zone, a health and wellness area, a beer and wine garden and much more.

Admission is free to the family-friendly event.

Puerto Rican Day Parade and Festival

Where: Fred Poppe Regional Park, 1951 Malabar Road, Palm Bay

When: Sunday, Oct. 6 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Admission: Free

Website: palmbayflorida.org or utbunitedthirdbridge.org

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Christina LaFortune is the Entertainment and TGIF Editor at FLORIDA TODAY. Follow her on Facebook at facebook.com/christinalafortune or send her an email at clafortune@floridatoday.com.

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