Queen and Princesses Get Crowned at Bronx Puerto Rican Day Parade Pageant

By MIRIAM QUIÑONES

THE BRONX PUERTO Rican Day Parade committee members are pictured at the Bronx Puerto Rican Day Parade Pageant held on Sept. 7, 2024 at 345 Brook Avenue in the Mott Haven section of The Bronx.
Photo by Miriam Quiñones

In preparation for The Bronx Puerto Rican Day Parade, which returns for its 38th anniversary on Saturday, Oct. 19, the “Senora” winners were crowned at The Bronx Puerto Rican Day Parade Pageant held on Sept. 7 at 345 Brook Ave in Mott Haven.

Participants proudly represented their respective Puerto Rican hometowns, as prizes were awarded to the various queens and princesses. A talent contest had also been held in August in advance of the pageant.

THE BRONX PUERTO Rican Day Parade Pageant queen and princesses are crowned on Sept. 7 2024, at 345 Brook Avenue in the Mott Haven section of The Bronx. Pictured left to right are Maria Mercedes Figueroa, who won 2nd place as 1st princess, Doris Nelva Martinez who won 1st place Queen, Lisbeth Marie Garcia Calaf who won 3rd place 2nd princess, Hailey Miriam Antonetti, who was the Infantil Queen winner, and Josephine Celia Serrano, who won 2nd place as 1st princess.
Photo by Miriam Quiñones

Maribel Mercado is president of the parade committee, and said this year’s theme is “Nuestra Musica Folklorica, Bomba y Plena” [Our folkloric music, Bomba and Plena], the latter, two musical traditions of Puerto Rico.

Meanwhile, Mercado said in addition to celebrating the rich heritage of Puerto Rico, the achievements of outstanding individuals and organizations who / which have made significant contributions to the Puerto Rican community, and to the borough of The Bronx, will als be recognized. She said in addition to dinner, there will also be live entertainment with special guests, dancing, and opportunities for networking.

DORIS NELVA MARTINEZ won first place as Queen of The Bronx Puerto Rican Day Parade representing Humacao, at The Bronx Puerto Rican Day Parade Pageant held Sept. 7, 2024, at 345 Brook Avenue in the Mott Haven section of The Bronx.
Photo by Miriam Quiñones

This year’s honorees include:

Grand Marshall: Assemblywoman, Karines Reyes, Puerto Rican / Hispanic Task Force
Madrina: State Senator Nathalia Fernandez (S.D. 34)
Public Civil Service Award: Sargeant Lorraine Perez NYPD
Education of Service Award: Bernie Hernandez, Aspira
Nonprofit Community Advocate Award: Pilar Maschi, Senior Catalyst Organizer, City Parks Foundation
Business of the Year Award: Barrio BX Restaurant
Artist of the Year award: Soundboy, AKA Hip Hop Jibarito– Ariel Cartagena

MARIA MERCEDES FIGUEROA wins 2nd place as 1st princess of The Bronx Puerto Rican Day Parade Pageant, representing San Juan, Puerto Rico, on Sept. 7, 2024, at 345 Brook Avenue in the Mott Haven section of The Bronx.
Photo by Miriam Quiñones

Organizers describe the parade as a wonderful opportunity to come together and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the Puerto Rican community in The Bronx. The parade will be preceded by a gala on Thursday evening, Oct. 17, at 6 p.m. at Villa Barone Manor, 737 Throggs Neck Expressway, Bronx, NY. Registration for the gala and the parade is open. See attached flier for details.

HAILEY MIRIAM ANTONETTI wins 1st place as Queen of The Bronx Puerto Rican Day Parade Pageant, representing Dorado, Puerto Rico, on Sept. 7, 2024, at 345 Brook Avenue in the Mott Haven section of The Bronx. She is crowned by Bronx Puerto Rican Day Parade board member Gloria Rodriquez.
Photo by Miriam Quiñones

An evening filled with music, food, networking and celebration is promised. The parade itself will be held on Saturday Oct. 19, along the Grand Concourse between East 164th Street and Mount Eden Avenue, and kicks off at 11 a.m. Organizers say it will showcase colorful floats, marching bands, cultural performances, and community organizations.

FLIER FOR THE Bronx Puerto Rican Day Parade
Photo by Miriam Quiñones

The parade organizers said, “We are excited to once again bring together the Bronx community and celebrate our Puerto Rican heritage. The parade and gala are opportunities to honor our ancestors, showcase our culture, and strengthen our community bonds.”

Editor’s Note: Norwood News freelance photographer, Miriam Quiñones, is a board member of the Bronx Puerto Rican Day Parade.

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