By Lou Acosta

Lorain, OH, August 23, 2025: The streets of South Lorain pulsed with music, color, and pride today as more than 10,000 people flooded the city for the 3rd Annual Puerto Rican Day Parade and Festival, a celebration that has grown into one of the region’s most anticipated cultural events.

What began decades ago in New York City as a tribute to Puerto Rican heritage has now blossomed into a nationwide tradition, with cities like Cleveland hosting massive celebrations just two weeks ago at the MetroHealth Hospital grounds. Today, Lorain took its turn in the spotlight — and delivered in spectacular fashion.

 Parade Highlights

The parade kicked off at 1:00 PM from Pearl Avenue and 31st Street, led by a Military Color Guard and flanked by some of Lorain’s finest. The route wound its way to Oakwood Park, where the festivities continued until 8:00 PM without a single reported incident — a testament to the event’s organization and community spirit.

Spectators lined the streets as Lorain High School’s Marching Band and Clearview’s band filled the air with rhythm. Politicians, local businesses, and community groups joined the procession, alongside hundreds of motorcycles, custom cars, and massive trucks outfitted with towering speakers blasting Latin music — with Reggaeton reigning supreme.

Oakwood Park Festival

Once inside Oakwood Park, the energy only intensified. Food trucks, DJs, and vendors offered a taste of Puerto Rican culture, while families danced, laughed, and celebrated under the summer sun.

The event was not only a celebration of heritage but a showcase of unity and pride. Flags waved high, cheers echoed through the park, and the sense of community was real..

A Shoutout to the Organizers

This year’s organizers deserve special recognition for pulling off an event that was not only loud and proud, but also classy and impeccably organized. Many attendees remarked that the turnout was twice as large as last year’s — a sign that Lorain’s Puerto Rican Day Parade is becoming a cornerstone of cultural celebration in Northeast Ohio.

Lou Acosta, North Coast Minority Media LLC  440-670 7017   BrotherLew@gmail.comNorthCoastMagazines@gmail.com