DebÍ Tirar Más Fotos (Seriously Though)
The beautiful thing about culture is that it doesn’t need permission to be impactful or to travel around the world like a tropical current. Culture actually gives us permission to be the truest versions of ourselves.
For as long as I can remember Puerto Rican culture has been extremely strong in hometown of Bridgeport, CT — so it makes sense that the Puerto Rican Parade would be the biggest cultural celebration of the year. My little city of Bridgeport is more than likely the most culturally diverse area in all of Connecticut, and the culture of that beautiful Caribbean island is interwoven in the fabric of the city.
I’m not at all qualified to provide any historical anecdotes about the Puerto Rican presence in the city, or the general influence of Hispanic culture in the area — I just appreciate it.
The parade has always been a highlight of the summer in the city, it’s an all day event for most people, starting at 11am with the parade and wrapping around dusk in Seaside Park with live music, food trucks and vendors. My love of empanadas and Helado de Coco came from trying all of the foods at the park once the parade was over, food has always been the greatest tool for cultural exploration.
I created this set of photos from my favorite location on the parade route, lower Park Avenue by Roosevelt school. This is one of those IYKYK moments if you’re from the area, and if you’re not, take my word for it this is where the vibes and energy is the strongest — pique parade energy just as marchers reach the park. As someone who regularly photographs the city, I approached this collection of photos from the perspective of “What would I show someone to get them excited about this parade”.
I hope these photos made you somewhat excited about the parade!
Peace.
