52nd annual Puerto Rican Day parade preview

CENTER CITY (WPVI) -- Philadelphia's Puerto Rican Day parade is in its 52nd year and the annual tradition is set to attract thousands of people to Center City on Sunday.

The Puerto Rican Day parade in Philadelphia is a celebration that started more than 50 years ago.

Organized every year by the Council of Spanish Speaking Organizations, the parade promotes awareness and appreciated for the Puerto Rican culture and its contributions.

"It started out because, at that time, there were a lot of new immigrants who really didn't understand the language, and also to have the Philadelphians understand the Puerto Rican culture," said Joanna Otero, Executive Director of Concilio.

Diego Castellanos has hosted the parade on 6abc for many years.

He understands what this major event means for the Philadelphia Hispanic community.

The parade is part of the celebrations that take place every year during Puerto Rican Week, which kicked off with the flag raising ceremony at City Hall.

"It's a demonstration of the growth of the stability of the Puerto Rican community with the City of Philadelphia," said Councilwoman Maria Quiones-Sanchez.

Organizers stress that safety will be a priority during the parade, after all it is a family event.

"Support all of our kids who really work hard to put together a nice presentation," said Joanna Otero.

This year Ilia Garcia will join Diego Castellanos, and Action News anchor Walter Perez as hosts. The parade airs live at 12:30 p.m. Sunday on 6abc.