Even the rain could not dampen the spirits of the community Sunday for the 42nd annual Puerto Rican Day Festival at Lion’s Park in Bristol.
The aroma of authentic dishes mingled in the air with the scent of rain.
The event is sponsored by the Puerto Rican Cultural Association of Bucks County.
This year, for the first time, the event featured pure Puerto Rican Paso Fino horses and a Pirate Roberto Cofresi, better known as El Pirata Cofresi, re-enactment.
Also included in the event: live music, authentic cuisine, cultural workshops and novelty vendors.
While cultural music was playing throughout the park families strolled around taking in the history of Puerto Rico. Some in the crowd return to Bristol for Puerto Rican Day because it is part of their culture.
Nilda Hillyer of Bristol Township was raised in Bristol and returns to her roots for the special event.
“The music is my favorite part,” said Hillyer. “It is my heritage.”
Hillyer also noted that she did not know about the Paso Fino horses. A lesson learned about her culture.
“The horses are so pretty,” said Jasmine Hillyer, 8.
Nicole Roemhild of Bensalem returns every year in anticipation of running into family and friends to celebrate her heritage with good music.
“Some cultural things become cliquey,” said Roemhild. “But not Puerto Rican Day.”
“I see a lot of my family here.”
Nick Fitzgerald of Philadelphia returns to Bristol on Puerto Rican Day for the atmosphere.
“I like the feeling that is generated,” said Fitzgerald.
The party-like environment is what draws him back, noted Fitzgerald.
The horses tapped around giving the crowd a demonstration on the smooth, natural, four beat lateral gait they possess.
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