History

The Puerto Rican Festival Incorporated was formulated in 1969 for the express purpose of celebrating and recognizing the culture of Puerto Ricans. Puerto Ricans continue to be one of the largest growing Hispanic populations in New York State. This growth now makes Monroe County and the City of Rochester home to the second largest population of Hispanics in New York State.

The Puerto Rican Festival Incorporated sponsors a variety of events, which serve to share and celebrate Puerto Rican culture. The Puerto Rican Festival is the longest running cultural festival in the County of Monroe. The festival is an annual three-day event, which averages a daily attendance of 7,000 people of all cultures and ethnic backgrounds. The event will provide the following:

• Arts - a variety of Hispanic artists are invited to set up booths to exhibit and sell their artwork.
• Meals - meals are provided by a variety of local vendors, but an emphasis is placed on securing vendors who can provide the typical Puerto Rican cuisine.
• Agency Fair - this event brings a variety of agencies both public and private to share a wealth of information with many of the members of our local community. The topic areas range from critical health issues Hispanics face to Law Enforcement recruiting.
• Cultural Pageant - throughout the year leading to the main event held in late summer, a Cultural Pageant allows local female youth to compete for the title of Miss. Puerto Rico of Rochester. This competition requires that applicants attend a weekly self-improvement workshop in areas of public speaking, essay writing, community service and volunteerism, personal goal setting, and much more. The candidates are required to donate time to a community program chosen each year to encourage continued community service and sacrifice.
• 5k Race and Fitness Walk

The Puerto Rican Festival Incorporated prides itself on the fact that this festival allows the public free access during the day and only requires an entry fee for the evening activities. The entry fee is kept to a minimum to make the festival a family event in recognition of the value Puerto Ricans place on the family as a whole.