Brentwood’s Annual Puerto Rican/Hispanic Day Parade will be saved from cancellation, New York State Assemb. Phil Ramos (D-Central Islip) and nonprofit organization Teatro Yerbabruja said Monday.
The announcement came a little over a week after the parade’s previous organizer, Adelante of Suffolk County, cancelled the parade due to budget cuts.
“After I heard the news that the Puerto Rican Day Parade was cancelled I reached out to Teatro Yerbabruja and several other community leaders to talk about trying to save it,” Ramos told the Press. “They agreed to take the reins on the parade, and we brought some sponsors to the table. Though we have a long way to go, but we are hopeful that we’re going to make our mark.”
Ramos said that the newly formed committee applied for permits for the parade on Friday at Islip Town Hall.
“Our attitude is that we are going to make it happen,” he said. “The response from the community has been overwhelming. It’s an emotional issue for the Puerto Rican community. This is something that started in the 60s and it goes to the heart of the Puerto Rican identity on Long Island.”
The parade is in its 46th year and is the largest ethnic parade on Long Island. It’s normally held the first Sunday of every June, with 70 to 80 local groups marching down Fifth Avenue for the 2 1/2 hour parade.
Due to logistics the parade will take place this year on July 22. The theme this year is “Honoring Brentwood’s Puerto Rican Pioneers.” The honorees will include Adelante, who first put together the parade.
“We applaud their efforts are are really thankful for the services they provide to the community,” Ramos said. “It’s unfortunate that the parade was consuming resources that they needed to apply to some of the services.
Anyone interested in becoming a sponsor for the parade is encouraged to contact Teatro Yerbabruja or Assemblyman Ramos’ office.