ORLANDO, Fla. — The annual Florida Puerto Rican Parade and Festival held in downtown Orlando starts soon.
>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<
The event is held to recognize the achievements of Puerto Ricans in business, health, music, science, the arts, and government.
This year’s parade is dedicated to the Municipality of Loiza.
READ: Erosion unearths remnants of 2nd shipwreck on Volusia County coast
Before the festivities begin each year, festival organizers host their annual Gala and Scholarship Awards dinner.
Channel 9 Eyewitness News This Morning’s Kirstin Delgado was on hand to emcee the event.
This year’s gala included a traditional Puerto Rican dinner with some unique dishes from Loiza.
SEE: Large gator chased off Brevard County property
As the theme of the 2023 parade is “Economic Growth and Business Opportunities,” the gala also served as an opportunity to recognize local Puerto Rican business leaders.
Several students were also awarded with scholarships from the Florida Puerto Rican Parade Scholarship Fund Program Committee.
The scholarships are awarded to students each year based on financial need, academic merit, and other achievements.
READ: Twitter starts removing blue check marks from users who aren’t paying
For information on who’s eligible for the scholarship and how to apply, click here.
The 2023 Florida Puerto Rican Parade begins at 11 a.m. Saturday morning in downtown Orlando and transitions directly into the festival, which will feature local performers and exhibits..
For more information on the parade, including how to watch, click here.
This browser does not support the video element.
Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.