Oct. 1 marked the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month, and the cries of celebration could not be heard louder than in North Hudson, as thousands lined the streets of Bergenline Ave. from 80th Street Park in North Bergen to the 32nd Street band stand in Union City.
It was the 31st Anniversary of the Hispanic American Parade of New Jersey, which unifies about 21 of the world’s Hispanic countries that have also made their homes here in the United States.
For many people, this year was their first time attending the parade.
“It’s really beautiful, and it’s the best party I have seen for the Hispanic community,” said Maria Castro of Newark, who was invited by her sister Rosa Yanza of West New York.
“It’s a grandiose things that unites our community in our common patriotism; its absolutely marvelous,” said Olga De Leon, a vendor on Bergenline Avenue.
Despite the early morning rains last Sunday, the skies cleared and the sun shown brightly come parade time, which took off at about 1:30 p.m. with the mother country of Spain leading the way, after an entourage made its way ahead carrying the national flag of each of the Hispanic American countries.
True to their roots
Numerous colorful floats, traditional dance companies, and local organizations from throughout New Jersey represented each nation at the parade, and annual crowd favorites such as the floats from Spanish stations Univision and Telemundo couldn’t be left out.
Starting things off was the South American nation of Boliva, which had one of the largest representations in the parade.
Crowds were mesmerized by the brightly colored costumes and energetic moves of the Bolivian dancers, who made their way down the avenue featuring the folkloric Andean music and traditional dances that reflect the roots native South America.
Following Bolivia were the representatives of Colombia, who came down Bergenline moving to their national music known as cumbia, with traditional dancing first made popular in the province of Baranquilla.
Prior to beginning the parade and waiting to make his first appearance was seven-year-old Esteban Salazar, who was proudly holding the Colombian Flag and holding up the signs for Café Orquidia Dance Studios, where his sister was also one of the dancers.
“I think it’s a great idea that unifies the Hispanic community because so many people focus on the differences between the countries and so little is known about the community that unites us,” said Edgar Salazar, Clifton.
Next up was the country of El Salvador, whose representatives perfumed the avenue with incense, and proudly displayed traditional garbs of their homeland as did all the countries.
Towards the end was Mexico, who came in a row of extravagant modified cars and bikes that sport hydraulics and elaborate tire rims, as well as elaborate murals to their patron mother the Virgin Mary of Guadalupe.
From Colombian cumbias, Puerto Rican salsas, and Cuban son, to the contemporary sounds of Latino America’s Reggaeton movement, music echoed throughout North Hudson, and the party didn’t stop until after 6 p.m.
“I am here visiting from Mexico, and this is the first time I am seeing this celebration of Latin America that fills us, the Hispanic community, with pride,” said Eduardo Cuadros, architect from Mexico City. “Hopefully next year’s will be as wonderful as this one.”
Honored guests
Special appearances were also made by the Union Hill High School Marching Band and Jose Marti Middle School choir of Union City, and the acrobatic performances of Ecuadorian born Angelo Del Monaco of West New York, who has been compared to the renowned Evil Knievel and recently was inducted into the Ripley’s Believe it or Not Museum for his amazing feats.
Also marching along in the parade were Hudson County’s local politicians including Mayor Brian Stack of Union City, Mayor Richard Turner of Weehawken, and Mayor Albio Sires of West New York.
Sires, who was originally from Cuba, is also an Assemblyman of the 32nd District, and candidate for the seat in the 13th Congressional District, which was vacated by Sen. Robert Menendez, also of Cuban descent.
Menendez, who was also chosen as Man of the Year for the 2006 Hispanic American Parade, had is his own float in the parade promoting his Nov. 7 run for the United States Senate, which played a Spanish promotional song calling on all of the community to vote Menendez.