Dear Friends,

In 2026, the Puerto Rican and Hispanic Day Parade of WNY will be celebrating its 24th anniversary! To kick off our celebration, we invite you to join us for a flag-raising ceremony on Thursday, August 6, 2026, starting at noon at Buffalo City Hall, Niagara Square. Then join us on Parade Day, Saturday, August 15 @ 12 PM as we march down Avenida San Juan "Niagara Street." After the Parade, starting at 2 PM in Niagara Square, we will have live music performances and vendors. We are proud to be an organization that celebrates diversity and unity among our community which embraces all Hispanics.

The primary purpose of the Puerto Rican and Hispanic Day Parade of Western New York Association, Inc., is to host a parade inclusive of all people and communities. The parade will empower the community, and in particular our youth, by promoting civic pride, celebrating the history of Puerto Rico and Hispanics, and increasing awareness of Latin America's diverse cultural heritage. Association members will be cultural ambassadors, historical preservationists, and civic activists. The Puerto Rican and Hispanic Day Parade of Western New York Association will collaborate with a variety of social and service-oriented agencies to build a stronger Western New York Community on a foundation of pride, knowledge, and empowerment.

We are extremely proud to say that the parade itself has grown into one of the largest attended events in the Western New York Hispanic community. The Parade Association sponsors many events including the Borinquen Leadership Program of WNY for young men and women, the Flag Raising Ceremony, and the Concert and Street Fair following the parade.

We would like to invite you to be a part of this celebration of life, pride, and unity among the Puerto Rican and Latino citizens of the Western New York region. Please join us and become a part of an exciting time of rhythm, dance, and fun with your families, friends, students, and associates. Experience our enriched heritage, culture, and the pride of our people.

Below is the information on how to become part of this great celebration. Please fill out the entry form below and make your non-refundable payment online through PayPal. If you are paying with a check or money order you can make it payable to:

Puerto Rican and Hispanic Day Parade of Western New York Association, Inc.
PO Box 166
Buffalo, New York 14201

Parade Fees:

• Non-Profit/Civic Org./Marchers $80
• Floats $205
• Private Organization/Business $250
• Car Clubs (10 Cars Max) $200

Float Rules and Guidelines

1. Line up begins at 10:30am at Niagara Square.

2. All floats must reflect the theme of the event.

3. All floats should be constructed in a matter that it will not be necessary to disconnect them to turn the corner of the parade route. The driver must be able to navigate the float with a guide.

4. All Floats must finish the parade route or they will subject to disqualification from the completion.

5. Due to City of Buffalo policy all floats must conform to the following dimensions. The overall length of the float, auto and/or float tractor must not exceed 45 feet. The width should be 10 feet and the height 12 feet. If your float extends beyond the normal length of the vehicle, the lowest point of the solid construction bottom of the float should be one foot above the ground. This will allow for rises in the ground or any curb over which it might extend while turning.

6. Each organization must have a person or persons carrying a banner in front of the float stating the organization and the theme/title of the float. Judging will be determined on the following concepts. Judges will award up to 10 points for each concept per float.

A. Original to theme, the creativity in which the idea is presented.

B. Overall effects use of the technology (mechanically, electronically, sound effects, use of colors, etc.)

C. Workmanship, materials & construction use of area, originality of materials used, quality, and originality of signs.

7. Judging will begin reviewing floats at 11:00am at the assembly point (Niagara Square) and again as the float passes the reviewing stand located in front of the Tops Supermarket on Niagara Street. The floats will not stop as they are being judged.

8. All floats must be at the assembly point (Niagara Square) by 10:30am on Sat. August 15, 2026.

9. No floats are to be purchased by any organization. Decorative items compromising the float cannot be rented.

10. If an organization has both a float and marching unit, they will be placed back to back.

11. The winner will be announced at the Parade Concert on Saturday, August 15, 2026.

PARADE RULES OF PARTICIPATION

Parade Day: August 15, 2026

1. All organizations must submit a registration form with an estimated number of participants in the parade two weeks prior to Parade Day.

2. All registration fees are due two weeks prior to Parade Day. Payment methods accepted are PayPal or a check made payable to:

Puerto Rican and Hispanic Day Parade of Western New York Association, Inc.

PO Box 166, Buffalo, NY 14201.

3. All organizations must check in at the registration booth on Parade Day by 9:30 am. Registration closes at 11 am. Marching begins at noon 12pm. 

4. A completed Hold Harmless Agreement application with the names of the participants in their group before marching must be submitted at the registration booth. If it is completed online, please advise the committee/Volunteer member at the registration table.

5. All participants must have respect for the Puerto Rican and Hispanic heritage and culture, and maintain general public decency and moral values.

6. The use of your country’s flag must be pure and unadulterated in its beautiful colors. No symbols (Coqui, roosters, faces of celebrities, etc.) in flags within the boundaries of the parade route.

7. No political or electoral propaganda may be displayed or handed out by any contingent within the boundaries of the parade.

8. All participants must submit to inspection and comply with the directions of the Parade Field Coordinators. Failure to do so may result in expulsion from the parade.

9. All vehicles, including car shows and floats, must have adequate insurance and must be operated safely and in compliance with all state and local laws. Proof of insurance and a copy of the driver’s license must be submitted two weeks prior to Parade Day for all participating vehicles and drivers.

10. Car clubs will be required to provide additional information (registration and license), fees, and non-refundable security deposits, and may have to attend a safety awareness meeting prior to the parade. There shall be no more than 10 vehicles per application. PRHDP has the right to assign a security officer to each car club at the expense of the car club. The organization reserves the right to admit four (4) car clubs per parade. Any vehicles found to be doing burnouts or revving engines will be immediately removed from the parade and will not be able to participate in future parades.

11. Participants are limited to thirty (30) seconds for their performance at the viewing stand. All music must be cued and ready to play. Music should not have any obscene or derogatory language. Judges will deduct points from any unit violating this rule.

12. Participants must not be under the influence of any alcohol and /or illegal substances during the parade.

13. Participants under the age of eighteen (18) who are not sponsored by an organization must have their parent/guardian's consent and signature on the entry form. Parental consent and supervision are strongly encouraged in all organizations.

14. Winners of the Parade Float Contest will be announced on August 15, 2026, at the main stage in Niagara Square at 2:15 PM. Winners must be present to receive the awards.

15. No bicycles or motorcycles of any kind are permitted in the parade.

16. VIOLATION OF THESE RULES SHALL RESULT IN EXPULSION BEFORE OR DURING THE PARADE AND MAY RESULT IN LEGAL ACTION.

P.O. Box 166 Buffalo, New York, 14202
Phone: (716) 310-8644
A 501 C 3 Non-Profit Corporation

Email: prparadeofwny@gmail.com
Website: www.prhdp.org

Hold Harmless Agreement

The Puerto Rican and Hispanic Day Parade of Western New York Association, Inc. (The Association) requires acknowledgement of this Hold Harmless Agreement. Aggreement to this signifies that all parties , their parent/guardian, if the participant is under 18, acknowledges and agrees that their participation in the parade is voluntary and that they have been advised by the above Organization and/or Representative of this agreement. The participants waive and hold harmless from all legal responsibilities the City of Buffalo, The Association and its organizers and sponsors from any liability arising from their participation in this event. This includes, but is not limited to, any personal injury or property damage during the operation of your unit or any other, any theft or loss of any equipment or belongings, or other issues that may arise from of your participation.