PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Sunday was a day for Philadelphians to celebrate Puerto Rican heritage, and stand in solidarity with people currently suffering on the island, with the annual Puerto Rican Day Parade.
Maribell Oquene said she was looking forward to the parade making its return since it was canceled in the early days of the pandemic. Sunday, she got her wish, and she even took part in the parade, riding with her Jeep club down the Benjamin Franklin parkway.
"It makes me feel so happy, because this is my culture. It’s like having a little bit of Puerto Rico here with us, today," she said.
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Oquene said Hurricane Fiona’s destruction on the island made the day bittersweet, but she was happy to receive and give comfort with fellow Puerto Ricans.
"I have my family in Puerto Rico, my mom and my sister," she shared. "At this moment, they do not have electricity or water, so it's very hard for them because ... five years after Maria hit Puerto Rico, Fiona hit Puerto Rico again, so it's very hard."
Oquene said she was working with other organizations to get people on the island essentials they need. "My heart is in Puerto Rico right now, even though I'm here," she said. "I want them to know we're thinking of them too."
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