Millions strong, Puerto Rican Day revelers once again turned Fifth Avenue into a massive show of ethnic pride – including a show-stopping appearance by Bronx-born bombshell Jennifer Lopez.
In true pop-diva fashion, Lopez burst into the parade late, rushing ahead of Mayor Giuliani’s contingent, to catch up with legendary salsa star Tito Puente.
Lopez’s arrival created a media frenzy, practically bringing the parade to a stop, as cops pushed and shoved the throng of photographers and reporters surrounding her.
Lopez ducked away from the melee but returned to the parade later, riding in a cream-colored Rolls-Royce convertible – waving, but not taking questions.
When it comes to the city’s ethnic celebrations, the Puerto Rican Day Parade has become the show of shows. Parade organizers said they drew as many as 3 million people to the event.
Sidewalks were packed with cheering crowds from the parade’s start, at 44th Street, all the way to the end, at 86th Street. And it seemed as if everyone was waving the red, white and blue Puerto Rican banner.
“I came here because this is something we do together. It shows other Americans we are intelligent, loving, warm people and we are united,” said Kathy Ortiz, 24, of Queens.
Marie Ubiles, 32, of Brooklyn, has been coming to the parade every year since she was a kid.
“I love everything here: the people, the music, the cheering, everybody around me,” said Ubiles. “I keep coming back because I’m Puerto Rican.”
Giuliani marched with Herman Badillo, the City University’s new board chairman, and several Puerto Rican members of his administration.
Also marching was the city’s top elected Puerto Rican official, Bronx Borough President Fernando Ferrer, who walked with Sen. Chuck Schumer.
Other mayoral hopefuls in the parade included Public Advocate Mark Green and Comptroller Alan Hevesi.