Puerto Rican pride took over Fifth Avenue in Manhattan on Sunday as the 62nd annual National Puerto Rican Day Parade marched through the city.
This year's grand marshal, singer Ricky Martin, was celebrated alongside his foundation, which fights human trafficking. Others honored in the parade — whose theme was "One People, Many Voices" — were singer José Feliciano and golfer Chi Chi Rodriguez.
Many New York politicians marched. They kicked off the celebration with a ribbon cutting.
Governor Cuomo said Puerto Rico still needed help recovering from the destruction of Hurricane Maria. Mayor de Blasio did not attend; he campaigned in Iowa all weekend.
Many spectators said his absence didn't bother them.
"There's a big controversy because the mayor is not here, but we don't need the mayor to party. They need us,” said one person attending the march. “So I'm fine with the fact that he's not here.”
Governor Cuomo announced at the parade that he will again visit Puerto Rico with CUNY and SUNY students who are participating in rebuilding projects on the island territory.