TRENTON, N.J. — Recently, the City of Trenton recognized National Hispanic Heritage Month, which occurs from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, with the return of the Puerto Rican Day Parade along South Broad and Front streets, and in Mill Hill Park, Trenton.
According to attendees, the parade has been absent from the city for at least four years due to budgetary problems and seemingly lack of participation. However, this year, the turnout was huge and there were vendors, music, food, contests, and plenty of enthusiasm.
George Jones, a resident of Mill Hill District, said the parade had ceased for a few years, “due to the weather and participation. We couldn’t get enough sponsors,” he said.
He added that the heritage is very important, and so it is a good idea to bring it back because Trenton has lost its heritage. He also mentioned that there used to be other parades such as the African and Jamaican parades, and that the kids need to see that we can all come together.
An attendee, Susana Rios, said it has been about four or five years ago since she has been to a Puerto Rican Day Parade in Trenton. She said she was enjoying the music, the vendors and the parade.
Others, such as Erin Lind, said she was also enjoying the return of the parade and was looking forward to the food.