Thousands gather in Humboldt Park for Puerto Rican Day festival, parade

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Festivities are underway as thousands of people came out to celebrate Puerto Rican Day.

Some of La Bomba restaurant's finest dishes were served up for the many people packing Humboldt Park for the Puerto Rican Festival.

"More people can know about the restaurant. We're very famous. La Bomba Restaurant was one of the few restaurants that started the Puerto Rican food in Chicago," said Addiel Cruz with La Bomba restaurant.

Thousands came out for the festivities.

"Proud of our heritage, our culture, where we come from, where we're going," said Jennifer Ybarra.

"I love my Puerto Rican culture. The food is amazing. The people are amazing," said Isabelle Crespo.

Earlier in the day, culture, pride, and passion once again filled the streets of Humboldt Park as the 45th Puerto Rican Day Parade stepped off down Division.

It is a generational tradition for many families who came out to Humboldt Park, which has the largest Puerto Rican population in Chicago.

"It feels amazing. We come every year since I was a little kid," Noemi Torres said.

Mayor Brandon Johnson joined the celebration of cultural heritage during the jam-packed parade. It also saw the Latin American Motorcycle Association revving their engines down the pavement in the parade, something they've done for decades.

"We're part of the parade. We're part of the organization. We volunteer for the community. That's what we're all about," said Ricardo "Rambo" Torres with the Latin American Motorcycle Association.

Puerto Rican flags waived proudly, uniting the community in revelry no matter their background.

"It's definitely a beautiful experience. It's definitely something you want to see at least once in your life being a Puerto Rican Hispanic or a Hispanic in general. It's open to all races, all colors, all ages, all genders, and I love it," said Amanda Rodriguez.

If you can't make it out on Saturday night, there's still time to get in on the fun. The festival wraps up on Sunday night.