Lorain, OH — August 23, 2025: The streets of South Lorain were alive with music, color, and pride today as over 10,000 people flocked to the city for the 3rd Annual Puerto Rican Day Parade and Festival, a celebration that has become 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 since grown into a national tradition, with cities such as Cleveland hosting massive celebrations just two weeks ago on the MetroHealth Hospital grounds. Today, Lorain took its turn in the spotlight — and delivered spectacularly.
Parade Highlights:
The parade began at 1:00 p.m. 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 p.m. without a single reported incident, demonstrating the event’s organization and community spirit.
Spectators lined the streets as the Lorain High School Marching Band and the Clearview Band filled the air with music. Politicians, local businesses, and community groups joined the procession, which included hundreds of motorcycles, custom cars, and massive trucks outfitted with towering speakers blasting Latin music, with Reggaeton dominating.
Oakwood Park Festival
Once inside Oakwood Park, the energy only increased. Food trucks, DJs, and vendors provided a taste of Puerto Rican culture, as families danced, laughed, and celebrated in the summer sun.
The event was more than just a celebration of heritage; it also demonstrated unity and pride. Flags flew high, cheers echoed throughout the park, and the sense of community was palpable.
A shoutout to the organizers
This year’s organizers deserve special recognition for putting on an event that was not only loud and proud, but also classy and well-organized. Many attendees noted that the turnout was twice as large as the previous year, indicating that Lorain’s Puerto Rican Day Parade is becoming a staple of cultural celebration in Northeast Ohio.
