AOC and Ricky Martin Show Up for Puerto Rican Day Parade

Yesterday, New York City was brimming with Puerto Rico love at the 62nd Puerto Rican Day Parade. Thousands filled the streets of midtown Manhattan to show their pride for their culture and heritage with some of their favorite Puerto Rican stars and politicians.

There were more reasons to celebrate this year. For starters, Puerto Rico is getting stronger each day since Hurrican Maria in 2017. And, secondly, President Donald Trump finally approved funds to be distributed toward Puerto Rican relief. The President allocated a $19 billion disaster relief bill that would go to Puerto Rico and other parts of the United States that have been affected by hurricanes and flooding.

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“A lot has been done since the hurricane hit in late 2017,” Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. told AM New York. “There’s still a lot of work to be done … but it is on its way to recovery, and there’s a lot to be thankful for.”

The parade was also a time to remember those that didn’t live through the hurricane, and friends and family took time to honor them as well.

“Hurricane Maria changed everything,” Caroline Gonzalez told NBC News. “I don’t think we could celebrate without acknowledging those who didn’t make it.”

Singer and actor, Ricky Martin served as the parade’s grand marshal. Martin was seen serving up his signature dancing moves looking hot as ever in a tight black shirt, and aviator glasses. Also, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez was on hand and fans loved seeing her there.

“Just saw [Ocasio-Cortez] in person at the #PuertoRicanDayParade. I feel blessed! #PuertoRico.” Mena Smith ‏tweeted.

@AOC was the HIGHLIGHT of the #PuertoRicanDayParade. America ❤️ #AOC 🇵🇷❤️💙🎉 pic.twitter.com/22ZdWxnGZi

— Alethea⸆⸉ @swiftiesforpalestine Insta official (@Women2Dc) June 9, 2019

Other notables at the parade included Rep. Nydia Velázquez, New York Gov. Mario Cuomo, transgender actress MJ Rodriguez, singer La India, musicians Bobby Sanabria and José Feliciano, golfer Chi-Chi Rodríguez — the first Puerto Rican inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame — champion boxer and MMA fighter Amanda Serrano, and a special tribute to the late transgender activist Sylvia Rivera.

La actriz transgénero MJ Rodríguez (@MjRodriguez7) será honrada en el Desfile Nacional Puertorriqueño tras alcanzar la cúspide de la fama al interpretar a “Blanca” en la serie “Pose” de FX.https://t.co/oddz8edbCz

— La Sombrilla Cuir (@LaSombrillaCuir) June 9, 2019

“Believe it or not, I’ve never really been to the Parade before, but goin’ for my first time, and actually being around people who are just like me. It feels good. It’s liberating. It feels good,” the “Pose” actress told ABC News. She added, “A lot of people still haven’t got the care they needed since the last hurricane that has happened. You know, and it’s really just trying to rally us together, and we’re a community, and we’re here to support each other.”