The 50th-annual Rochester Puerto Rican Festival took place Aug. 16-18 at Frontier Field’s VIP lot. The festivities kicked off Aug. 16 with an opening ceremony, live music and cultural dance from the Borinquen Dance Theatre. A rainstorm did not stop the 50th-annual Puerto Rican Parade as parade goers and participants filled the streets to kick off the second day of the festival.
Borinquen Dance Theatre perform outside of Frontier Field Aug. 16. (EMC photo by Jeff Witherow)
N’Klabe perform Aug. 16. (EMC photo by Jeff Witherow)
Puerto Rican food is prepared under the food tent Aug. 16. (EMC photo by Jeff Witherow)
Fireman Elvis Reyes hoists the American flag during the opening ceremony Aug. 16. (EMC photo by Jeff Witherow)
Festivalgoers dance to the music of Banda Light Aug. 16.
Festivalgoers watch live music in Frontier Field’s VIP lot Aug. 16. (EMC photo by Jeff Witherow)
Four-year-old Bae’le Ngo blows bubbles during the festival Aug. 16. (EMC photo by Jeff Witherow)
Festivalgoers wear Puerto Rican flags as capes Aug. 16. (EMC photo by Jeff Witherow)
Miss Puerto Rico of Rochester Queen Widalys Robles and Miss Puerto Rico of Rochester Princess Emiliana Martinez Nobrega wave as they ride atop of a float during the 50th-annual Puerto Rican Parade Aug. 17. (EMC photo by John Haeger)
Latino veterans carry flags as they march in the annual Puerto Rican Parade Aug. 17. (EMC photo by John Haeger)
Members of the Rochester City Police Department wave to the crowd as they march in the annual Puerto Rican Parade Aug. 17. (EMC photo by John Haeger)
Paradegoers line the street in the rain to watch the annual Puerto Rican Parade Aug. 17. (EMC photo by John Haeger)