A Guide To The 2011 Puerto Rican Day Parade
The 2011 Parade
Start Time: 11 AM
Location: 5th Avenue and 44th Street
The theme for the 54th annual parade is "Celebrating the Natural Beauty of Puerto Rico" and is dedicated to the Puerto Rican towns Cabo Rojo and Patillas. In addition, the parade will celebrate Goya Foods by naming their not only their American president, but also the Puerto Rican president co-grand marshals of the parade.
Getting There
Driving: Although there are several parking garages in Midtown, on the day of the parade it's best to use public transportation.
By Subway: The F, V, B and D trains run along 6th avenue to find a spot along the parade route.
From Westchester County/Connecticut: Take Metro-North into Grand Central Terminal. From there, it's a short walk to where the parade kicks off.
From Long Island: Take the LIRR into Penn Station; from Penn Station, it's about a 20-minute walk to the parade route.
Tips and Tricks
Snacks and Water: It's gonna get hot, so make sure to stay hydrated. If you think you're going to want to snack during the parade, bring your own because street treats can get expensive.
Bathrooms: The best public bathrooms are in Bryant Park, only two blocks from where the parade kicks off. If you are in the more northern part of the parade, look out for restaurants and hotels.
The Parade with Kids: Stick together! Hold your child's hand if you plan on bringing them to enjoy the parade with you, crowds can get overwhelming.