community

Puerto Rican People's Parade

Friday, June 13, 2014

June 14, 2014 (CHICAGO) (WLS) -- ABC 7 Chicago is proud to be the broadcast home for the "Puerto Rican People's Parade" in its 36th colorful year. Hosted by General Assignment Reporter and Host of "N BEAT," Theresa Gutierrez, and co-hosted by David Zayas, the parade aired Saturday, June 14, from 11:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. on ABC 7. (The Puerto Rican People's Parade took place on Saturday, June 14 at 2 p.m.).

ABC 7 is the only station in the market to produce and air this important community event.

Members of ABC 7's Eyewitness News team, Cheryl Burton, Hosea Sanders, Roz Varon and Leah Hope joined in the festivities atop the ABC 7 Chicago float.

The 2014 parade once again pays tribute to Chicago's rich Puerto Rican culture with the theme "Promoting a Culture of Educational Excellence." In addition, the parade honored the 40th anniversary of the opening of the neighborhood's Roberto Clemente Community Academy High School as well as the U.S. Army's 65th Infantry Puerto Rican Regiment (aka "The Borinqueneers"). The parade kicked off at Division and Western and proceeded west on Division through the heart of Chicago's Puerto Rican community in Humboldt Park. Parade goers enjoyed a colorful array of more than 75 floats, folk dancers, Reggaeton musical groups and salsa dancers.

The 2014 parade culminated on Division Street and Sacramento Avenue, where it joined the Fiestas Puertorriquenas (Puerto Rican Festival), which is celebrating its 32nd year. The Festival ran from Thursday, June 12 through Sunday, June 15 in Humboldt Park.

"The Puerto Rican People's Parade" is produced by Edgar Vargas.

Watch segments of Saturday's parade below.

Part 1