National Puerto Rican Day Parade in NYC: Route and street closures

This year marks the 62nd anniversary of the National Puerto Rican Day Parade, one of the biggest celebrations in the city during the summer—more than 2 million people are expected to attend this year’s parade, which happens on June 9.

The theme for the parade is “Un Pueblo, Muchas Voces” (One Nation, Many Voices), which is intended to “celebrate the creativity and diversity of thought in Puerto Rico and across the diaspora.” That’s reflected in the honorees for this year’s parade, who include musician José Feliciano, baseball legend Edgar Martínez, and famed pop star Ricky Martin, who’ll serve as the parade’s grand marshal.

As ever, the parade will feature marchers—both on foot and on floats—in all manner of colorful costumes, all there to celebrate the heritage of culture of Puerto Rico.

The festivities kick off in Midtown at 11 a.m., and are expected to last until the evening; here’s what you need to know.

When is the National Puerto Rican Day Parade?

The parade happens Sunday, June 9 at 11 a.m., and ends at 5 p.m.

Where does the National Puerto Rican Day Parade take place?

The parade is on Fifth Avenue between 42nd and 79th Streets, beginning at the southern end and traveling north on Fifth to the Upper East Side.

What streets will be closed for the National Puerto Rican Day Parade?

The following streets will be closed on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m, according to the DOT:

Formation

• 44th Street between 6th Avenue and Madison Avenue
• 45th Street between 6th Avenue and Madison Avenue
• 46th Street between 6th Avenue and Madison Avenue
• 47th Street between 6th Avenue and Madison Avenue
• 48th Street between 6th Avenue and Madison Avenue

Route

• 5th Avenue between 42nd Street and 79th Street

Dispersal

• 5th Avenue between 79th Street and 86th Street
• 79th Street between 5th Avenue and Park Avenue
• 80th Street between 5th Avenue and Park Avenue
• 81st Street between 5th Avenue and Park Avenue
• 82nd Street between 5th Avenue and Park Avenue
• 83rd Street between 5th Avenue and Park Avenue
• 84th Street between 5th Avenue and Madison Avenue
• 85th Street between 5th Avenue and Madison Avenue

Miscellaneous

• Madison Avenue between 43rd Street and 86th Street
• 6th Avenue between 44th Street and 49th Street
• 43rd Street between 6th Avenue and Madison Avenue
• 51st Street between Rockefeller Plaza and 5th Avenue
• 58th Street between Grand Army Plaza and 5th Avenue
• 64th Street between 5th Avenue and Madison Avenue
• 69th Street between 5th Avenue and Park Avenue
• 74th Street between 5th Avenue and Madison Avenue

What does this mean for traffic this weekend?

You know the drill: Both vehicular and pedestrian traffic will get messy in Midtown and the Upper East Side. Plan accordingly, and if you plan to attend the parade, use buses or the subway—here are the changes to look out for:

• The 77th Street 6 train station will be exit-only from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.—those looking to use that station will be directed to the 68th Street 6 train; 86th Street 4, 5, 6; 72nd Street M, Q; or 86th Street M, Q stations.
• The following buses will skip stops along the parade route: M1, M2, M3, M4, M5, M31, M50, M55, M57, M66, M72, M79 SBS, SIM1c, SIM3c, SIM4c, SIM33c, X27, X28, BxM2, BxM3, BxM4, BxM6, BxM7, BxM8, BxM9, BxM10, BxM11, Q32, QM2, QM4, QM5, and QM6.
• For those coming from Long Island, the MTA will add three trains on the Ronkonkoma branch.