Like a pig roasting over hot coals, Sunday’s Puerto Rican Parade Day celebrations brought out Boricuan Bushwick’s fullest flavors. — Photos by Diego Cupolo — Click to view slideshow>>
The Puerto Rican Day Parade is held on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan every June, but when the show is over, the festivities shift to Puerto Rican neighborhoods uptown, in the Bronx, and Brooklyn. Sidewalk grilling, salsa, and car horn-honking fill Bushwick’s streets, though often heavy police presence angered some. This weekend was a bit quieter compared to recent years, due perhaps to the soggy weather, but hordes of people still came out to show their roots with flags — out of windows, on cars, worn as capes, even as earrings. I woke up early and rode around the neighborhood to document the celebration…
BrianH June 14th, 2010 at 3:29 pm
Out of control and showing little respect and consideration for others like always. Just an excuse for people to act like fools and say f@#k their neighbors. Worst day of the year in my book.
chillinoncentral June 15th, 2010 at 10:42 am
Our family celebrated and took in the rain-threatened fun at Coney Island, where the salsa, food and coquito drinks flowed into an absolutely beautiful day… when the rain finally became a reality, we came home to Bushwick and joined an outdoor dance party with lots of friends and neighbors who proved that you didn’t have to be Puerto Rican to have a good time and enjoy yourself celebrating Puerto Rican Day.
chillinoncentral June 15th, 2010 at 10:43 am
As usual, Diego, great photos!
Bill June 16th, 2010 at 8:22 am
10 hours of honking and screaming. And f@cking more honking. And f@cking more screaming. And getting drunk on the street and acting disrespectful towards everyone and feeling emboldened to do and say whatever the f@ck you want. Yeah Nationalism!
BrianH June 16th, 2010 at 9:43 am
Totally agree Bill. I am all for celebrating but it has to be done while still showing respect for others which does not happen. There is a reason there is a police officer stationed at every corner on this day. It’s all about being a public spectacle in an attempt to have people think you are “crazy” or “wild” or who knows what. Just end up looking like a bunch of fools. Whed did public streets becomes party venues??? Oh I forgot, its the PR day parade.
BushwickPhil June 16th, 2010 at 12:16 pm
Timbo’s with shorts and a lecheon……classy
timo June 16th, 2010 at 11:04 pm
Yeah it was noisy & a little stupid. But it was more annoying when I passed my flat-out by the book hipster neighbor downstairs: “Better stay inside, dude” he said somberly “It’s PR day. You’re gonna get your ass kicked”. Didn’t happen, though I did wave back at some cars full of waving, screaming, honking Ricans. Which resulted in more honking & screaming, not really any ass kicking.
Chuck June 28th, 2010 at 1:18 pm
Its just how its done here since ’72 that I’ve been here. Start Vacation planning now if it’s a bother.
BushwickPhil June 28th, 2010 at 2:00 pm
Things change Chuck, you’ll all be pushed out eventually.
Wicker June 29th, 2010 at 11:55 am
So much pride, but so little to be proud about. Sigh.
Betty June 30th, 2010 at 12:11 pm
I just don’t get it. Why is ok for these people to be disrespectful to their neighbors with all their honking and obnoxiousness? Why does the city allow this? It’s just plain rude.
Sandy Swiss July 2nd, 2010 at 11:03 am
wow to all the PR day haters, you should change your address or just DEAL WITH IT!!! haaa so what people want to show pride, we do the same thing on the 4th of july because at the end of any day we are all american so stop being ignorant jerks and if PR day REALLY bothers you…..GET OVER IT!
Brooklyn Son July 3rd, 2010 at 9:03 am
well said Sandy Swiss!
EddieMambo July 7th, 2010 at 5:49 pm
Why such hatred. Wow. just go away to the Southampton.
American like Tommy & Sarah are the least passionate about their culture. You should all learn something. You live Life once so enjoy & celebrate while you can.
In other countries its normal to jump & laugh in the streets. We’re the only Idiots (Americans) who have something stuck up our asses. Now that I’m ashamed of.
BushwickPhil July 8th, 2010 at 11:29 am
In nature only wild animals jump and act so unruly. Celebrate national pride yes. In that manner however, totally not. Borderline zoo is what it is.
KingsCounty July 8th, 2010 at 6:08 pm
OK Little Phil
whatever you & Bush say