Tragedy Unites Springfield's Puerto Rican Community

By Elizabeth Cardona

    The summer temperatures will soon begin to rise reminding many Puerto Ricans of their native island in the Caribbean. In preparation for the 13th annual Springfield Puerto Rican parade, many proud Puerto Ricans will display red, white, and blue flags on their cars, storefronts, home or apartment windows and clothing. 

            According to Gumersindo Gomez, President of the Puerto Rican Veterans Association, and Chairman of the Springfield Puerto Rican Parade Committee, “The idea of a parade began after a tragedy occurred in October, 1989. Hurricane Hugo so devastated the island of Puerto Rico that local Puerto Rican residents here got together to raise money for victims of Hurricane Hugo.” The tremendous response and solidarity shown by many community residents created a nostalgic euphoria that inspired Maria Perez, Wilfredo Moreno, Heriberto Colon, Jose Diaz, Sergio Kentish and Gumersindo Gomez to continue working on projects to unite the Puerto Rican people living in Springfield.

            The energetic group later decided to ask then Governor Dukakis to declare November 19, 1989 as “Massachusetts Puerto Rican Day.”   When she became Mayor, Mary Hurley declared the week of November 19th as “Puerto Rican Heritage Week.” The parade was originally held in November; however, due to the unstable New England temperatures at that time of the year, the group decided to change the parade to July when the weather would be more suitable. 

            Each year the parade has a theme with a motivational message that have includes dedications to our youth, elderly, education, and the first Puerto Rican pioneers who migrated to Springfield and surrounding communities.   Gumersindo states that, “The first parade was exceptionally emotional as many of the pioneers who were recognized were elderly and were astonished  by the attention that had been humbly bestowed upon them.” Throughout the following years, the committee has recognized individuals such as Dr. Peter Negroni, former Superintendent of the Springfield Public Schools under the theme, “Education and Our Youth.” Last year the late Roberto Clemente was honored. 

            This year’s 13th annual Springfield Puerto Rican Parade will be in honor of the founder of  “Hogar Crea’s International,” Jose Garcia, better known as “Cheguan” who died last fall. Hogar Crea is a program that has helped many men and women with their recovery process from drug and alcohol abuse.  Hogar Crea has programs located in South and Central America, the Caribbean, and in the United States. The parade will include representatives from various Hogar Crea programs.

            In addition, the parade’s Grand Marshall will be Salsa singer, Andy Montanez, a dynamic member of The Gran Combo, a popular musical group, which has made significant contributions to Salsa music since the 1970’s. The Godfather will be Tito Trinidad.  Andy will be performing at the annual parade dinner/dance on Friday, August 1, 2003 that will be held at the Greek Cultural Center.

            The Springfield Puerto Rican Parade Committee also coordinates a pageant. This year there will be two pageants, one for ages toddler -4 years old, and the other for young ladies ages 15-21. The parade will be held on Sunday, August 3, 2003 at 1:00PM. It will begin at the intersection of Main Street and Watson Avenue and will head south to Court Square where it will end at the annual Puerto Rican Festival held at Court Square.

            The Springfield Puerto Rican Parade became a reality after concerned friends came together to help raise funds for residents in Puerto Rico who had been affected by the 1989 Hurricane Hugo. The efforts of those who united around that tragedy have had a lasting effect in helping to unite individuals for the benefit of the local Springfield Puerto Rican community. The Springfield Puerto Rican parade is one example of an opportunity for Puerto Ricans to come together and demonstrate their spirit and pride by jubilantly exhibiting their flags that reminds us all of a heritage so dear that will never be forgotten.