Colombian Day Parade vs. Puerto Rican Day Parade

Attribute	Colombian Day Parade	Puerto Rican Day Parade
Location	New York City	New York City
Date	July 20th	Second Sunday in June
Celebration of	Colombian culture and heritage	Puerto Rican culture and heritage
Parade route	Runs along Fifth Avenue	Runs along Fifth Avenue
Participants	Colombian community members	Puerto Rican community members

History

The Colombian Day Parade and the Puerto Rican Day Parade are both annual events that celebrate the culture and heritage of their respective countries. The Colombian Day Parade has been held in New York City since 1981, organized by the Asociación de Colombianos en Nueva York. On the other hand, the Puerto Rican Day Parade has a longer history, dating back to 1958, and is organized by the National Puerto Rican Day Parade, Inc. Both parades attract thousands of participants and spectators each year.

Participants

One of the key differences between the Colombian Day Parade and the Puerto Rican Day Parade is the composition of the participants. The Colombian Day Parade typically features Colombian dancers, musicians, and cultural groups showcasing traditional Colombian attire and performances. In contrast, the Puerto Rican Day Parade includes a diverse range of participants, including Puerto Rican celebrities, politicians, and community organizations. Both parades also include marching bands, floats, and beauty queens representing their respective countries.

Route

Another difference between the two parades is the route they take through New York City. The Colombian Day Parade usually starts in Jackson Heights, Queens, and ends in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park. In comparison, the Puerto Rican Day Parade follows Fifth Avenue from 44th Street to 79th Street in Manhattan. The route of the Puerto Rican Day Parade is longer and passes by iconic landmarks such as Central Park and Rockefeller Center.

Attendance

Both the Colombian Day Parade and the Puerto Rican Day Parade draw large crowds of spectators each year. The Puerto Rican Day Parade is known for attracting over a million attendees, making it one of the largest parades in New York City. The Colombian Day Parade also sees a significant turnout, with thousands of people lining the streets to watch the festivities. Both parades are televised and live-streamed, allowing people from around the world to experience the celebrations.

Food and Vendors

One of the highlights of both the Colombian Day Parade and the Puerto Rican Day Parade is the food and vendors that line the parade route. At the Colombian Day Parade, attendees can enjoy traditional Colombian dishes such as arepas, empanadas, and bandeja paisa. The Puerto Rican Day Parade offers a variety of Puerto Rican cuisine, including mofongo, pasteles, and arroz con gandules. Vendors also sell cultural merchandise, clothing, and souvenirs at both parades.

Music and Entertainment

Music and entertainment play a significant role in both the Colombian Day Parade and the Puerto Rican Day Parade. The Colombian Day Parade features live performances by Colombian musicians and bands, playing genres such as vallenato, cumbia, and salsa. The Puerto Rican Day Parade showcases Puerto Rican artists and performers, including reggaeton, salsa, and bomba y plena musicians. Both parades have stages set up along the route where attendees can enjoy music and dance performances.

Cultural Pride

Both the Colombian Day Parade and the Puerto Rican Day Parade are celebrations of cultural pride and heritage. Participants and spectators come together to honor their roots, traditions, and contributions to American society. The parades serve as a platform to showcase the rich diversity and vibrancy of Colombian and Puerto Rican culture, fostering a sense of unity and community among attendees. The parades also provide an opportunity for people of all backgrounds to learn about and appreciate the customs and traditions of Colombia and Puerto Rico.