The sound of music, waving flags, and a sea of red, white, and blue took over downtown Orlando on Saturday as Puerto Rican pride was on full display.Hundreds of people lined Orange Avenue for the 10th annual Florida Puerto Rican Parade and Festival, celebrating culture, heritage and community.From elaborate floats to classic cars cruising through the city, the parade brought energy and excitement to the heart of downtown.Sandra and Robert Dorta were among those soaking it all in, singing along and waving flags as the parade passed by.“It means everything seeing the Puerto Rican community here in Orlando. It’s grown so much since the 20 years I have been here,” Robert Dorta said.Families and friends gathered along the route, many dressed in their country’s colors, embracing a shared sense of identity and pride.“I can’t even explain it, it’s beautiful, it’s our culture,” said Linda Castellano.The parade stepped off at 11 a.m., followed by a full-day festival featuring live music, food, and local artists, turning downtown Orlando into a vibrant cultural celebration.Maurice Price said the atmosphere was unforgettable.“It was awesome, everything from the speakers to the chants, just everything, it was cool, the different bands coming out and everyone just jumping in and singing and enjoying themselves,” Price said.For many attendees, the event is more than just a celebration; it’s a way to stay connected to their roots.Standing along the parade route, WESH 2’s Spencer Tracy spoke with attendees who said events like this help preserve their heritage for future generations right here in Central Florida.“It brings back our home where we came from, to never forget and to see everybody together enjoying it. I’m sad it’s only once a year,” Castellano said.Organizers said this year’s theme is “Build the Future in Puerto Rico,” with activities dedicated to the town of Yabucoa, known as “La Ciudad del Nuevo Amanecer,” or “The City of the New Dawn.”And with every beat of the drum and every passing float, one message rang clear among the crowd:“We are all family, that’s how we see it. Everyone is family.”The festival continued throughout the day with live performances and cultural festivities celebrating Puerto Rican heritage.

ORLANDO, Fla. —

The sound of music, waving flags, and a sea of red, white, and blue took over downtown Orlando on Saturday as Puerto Rican pride was on full display.

Hundreds of people lined Orange Avenue for the 10th annual Florida Puerto Rican Parade and Festival, celebrating culture, heritage and community.

From elaborate floats to classic cars cruising through the city, the parade brought energy and excitement to the heart of downtown.

Sandra and Robert Dorta were among those soaking it all in, singing along and waving flags as the parade passed by.

“It means everything seeing the Puerto Rican community here in Orlando. It’s grown so much since the 20 years I have been here,” Robert Dorta said.

Families and friends gathered along the route, many dressed in their country’s colors, embracing a shared sense of identity and pride.

“I can’t even explain it, it’s beautiful, it’s our culture,” said Linda Castellano.

The parade stepped off at 11 a.m., followed by a full-day festival featuring live music, food, and local artists, turning downtown Orlando into a vibrant cultural celebration.

Maurice Price said the atmosphere was unforgettable.

“It was awesome, everything from the speakers to the chants, just everything, it was cool, the different bands coming out and everyone just jumping in and singing and enjoying themselves,” Price said.

For many attendees, the event is more than just a celebration; it’s a way to stay connected to their roots.

Standing along the parade route, WESH 2’s Spencer Tracy spoke with attendees who said events like this help preserve their heritage for future generations right here in Central Florida.

“It brings back our home where we came from, to never forget and to see everybody together enjoying it. I’m sad it’s only once a year,” Castellano said.

Organizers said this year’s theme is “Build the Future in Puerto Rico,” with activities dedicated to the town of Yabucoa, known as “La Ciudad del Nuevo Amanecer,” or “The City of the New Dawn.”

And with every beat of the drum and every passing float, one message rang clear among the crowd:

“We are all family, that’s how we see it. Everyone is family.”

The festival continued throughout the day with live performances and cultural festivities celebrating Puerto Rican heritage.