152nd Street Culture Festival celebrates Puerto Rican pride ahead of national parade

Festivities for June's National Puerto Rican Day Parade began in Mott Haven Saturday during the 152nd Street Culture Festival. An estimated 10,000 people arrived to celebrate Puerto Rican music, culture and food.

The festival brought out a number of local vendors, artists, as well as special live performances with vibrant bands and DJs ready to get the crowd pumped with pride.

"The 152nd street festival [is] where we celebrate Puerto Rican culture, Puerto Rican music, Puerto Rican cuisine, and we come together in unity to just be happy and celebrate on a beautiful sunny day," said Ululy Martinez, operations director of the 152nd Street Cultural Festival.

Martinez told News12 that aside from kicking off the countdown to the parade, the event also aimed to support small business and provide support for the youth attending with free activities.

Organizer's of the festival also said it brings out the best in the borough in all creative aspects, and that events like these are imperative for the community to highlight the rich Puerto Rican heritage.

The National Puerto Rican Day Parade will take place on Sunday, June 9 on Fifth Avenue in New York City.