Western Massachusetts Puerto Rican Parade celebrates 27 years of history

HOLYOKE ? It was over two decades ago that a group of Holyoke Latinos got together to create a parade and festival to celebrate Puerto Rican culture.

Now, 27 years later, the Hispanic Family Festival and Western Mass. Puerto Rican parade continue to take place in the city.

"We have had support from the community and the city to make this possible every year," said Diosdado Lopez, a founding member of the parade and festival and head of the parade committee.

The parade kicked off at noon Sunday starting on Pine Street and working its way down to City Hall on High Street.

Armando Cumba, another founding member of the parade committee, still remembers the first parade.

"It was just a few people that got together to put it on," said Cumba who has been a resident of Holyoke for 30 years.

This year's Grand Marshal was Officer Melvis Romero, a 46 -year-resident of Holyoke and a Holyoke police officer for 28 years.

"They have been after me to serve for many years and I always put it off, but now I realize what an honor this is and I'm grateful," he said. "I never really thought I did anything big, but over the years as a school resource officer I have worked with a lot of families and a lot of people in the city."

Marching in the parade were several public officials including Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse.

"I am happy to be a part of the parade and show my support for the Puerto Rican community today and every day," he said. "Holyoke is inclusive of everyone who lives here in the city and this is a special day to celebrate the Puerto Rican community which is an integral part of our city."

Holyoke State Rep. Aaron Vega and, Ward 1 City Councilor Gladys Lebron-Martinez and Westfield City Councilor Agma Sweeney also marched.

Vega, of Ecuadorian descent, has been participating in the parade for years.

"It's a great event, it's a lot of fun and a wonderful day to celebrate the Latino community in Holyoke," he said.

Children cheered as "Angel's Swing" a group of bicyclists rolled down Sargeant Street.

Angel Cordero, of Holyoke, heads up the group of riders on detailed swing bikes.

" We have been coming out for the past few years to support the community and the event," Cordero said.

Holyoke Medical Center employees Jasmine Jimenez and Fransisco Almeyda marched in the parade followed by a hospital van which provides free rides for patients in Holyoke, South Hadley and Chicopee.

"We want to celebrate our culture and also let the community know what we have to offer," Jimenez said.

Source: http://www.masslive.com/news/index.ssf/2013/07/western_massachusetts_puerto_r_1.html

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