NEW HAVEN, Connecticut (WTNH) – Music, mofongo and plenty of Boricua pride attracted thousands to New Haven for the 8th annual Puerto Rican Festival.
The festival gave Puerto Ricans and others the opportunity to celebrate and learn about the vibrant culture. It was also a day full of firsts.
“I have lived in New Haven for almost 25 years and as a Puerto Rican, this is my first festival,” said festival-goer Lina.
It’s also the first day of business for Bori Ice. Co-owner Jacqueline Mendez told News 8, “We’re here today and I can’t believe it. It’s a dream come true. Piraguas and those are our flavors, coconut, pacha, those are all our flavors.”
The island’s flag was displayed honorably on the sides of food trucks, on shirts and hats, on banners and umbrellas.
Staff Sergeant Kelvia Flores of the Connecticut National Guard said the festival “…allowed non-island-born Puerto Ricans to really experience their culture and their island here in the mainland United States.”
Staff Sgt. Flores cares not only about the Puerto Rican flag, but also about the American flag.
The master of ceremonies serves in the Connecticut National Guard and was honored for this year’s festival theme, “Veterans and Soldiers of Puerto Rico.” Staff Sergeant Flores says she was overwhelmed by the love and recognition.
“In our culture, it’s a pride to wear the U.S. flag on your uniform and go to war for the mainland,” said Staff Sergeant Flores. “It’s part of our culture, we’re raised that way. I grew up on the island to have that pride, and to me it means everything that our culture recognizes that and says we accept that.”
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