Celebrating Cultural Unity and Positive Peace at the Puerto Rican Day Parade in New York City

By M. Nuri Shakoor, Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP) Positive Peace Ambassador

The Puerto Rican Day Parade in New York City is an iconic celebration of Puerto Rican heritage, diversity, and inclusion, drawing thousands each year to Fifth Avenue for an explosion of music, dance, and vibrant culture. This year’s parade, held on June 13, 2023, embodied much more than just tradition—it served as a powerful platform for cultural diplomacy and solidarity, resonating with themes of positive peace and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Organized by the National Puerto Rican Day Parade Committee and sponsored by ARAC International Inc., a registered partner of USAID, this year’s event highlighted unity, resilience, and the shared vision of a peaceful and inclusive society.

The Parade: A Celebration of Diversity, Inclusion, and Cultural Diplomacy

With over half a million spectators lining the streets, the Puerto Rican Day Parade is one of New York City’s largest cultural celebrations. This year’s festivities showcased Puerto Rican culture through colorful floats, traditional costumes, and rhythmic music, while also inviting people from all backgrounds to engage in the spirit of diversity and inclusion. For many attendees, the parade represents more than just Puerto Rican pride—it is an opportunity to foster cross-cultural understanding and strengthen bonds between communities. The parade thus stands as a unique example of cultural diplomacy, where heritage and art form bridges between people and inspire a sense of global solidarity.

Positive Peace and the Sustainable Development Goals in Focus

This year’s event, funded in part by ARAC International Inc., leveraged the celebration as a platform to promote themes closely aligned with the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) Positive Peace framework. Positive Peace goes beyond the mere absence of violence, addressing the societal attitudes, institutions, and structures that create peaceful societies. The parade’s emphasis on diversity, inclusion, and resilience resonates strongly with the Positive Peace pillars—fostering a sense of unity and empowerment within and beyond the Puerto Rican community.


Likewise, the celebration aligned with several of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly:


• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities: By championing diversity and inclusion, the parade emphasized the importance of equal opportunities for all, regardless of ethnic background. Events like these remind us of the need to break down barriers, ensuring everyone can freely express their culture and identity.

• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions: Through its partnership with organizations focused on security and peace, including ARAC International, the event underscores the necessity of creating societies where justice and peace are accessible to all. The parade serves as a visual testament to the power of peaceful gatherings, encouraging dialogue and positive interactions among diverse communities.

• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals: The collaboration between nonprofit organizations, community leaders, and government entities exemplifies SDG 17’s call for partnerships to achieve sustainable development. ARAC International’s support symbolizes the importance of working together across sectors to foster inclusivity and promote shared values.

Amplifying Positive Peace Through Cultural Celebrations

Events like the Puerto Rican Day Parade remind us of the potential for public celebrations to build a collective vision of peace. In a city as diverse as New York, such celebrations are a testament to the resilience and adaptability of cultural traditions that promote harmony. They not only preserve and honor Puerto Rican heritage but also open doors to dialogue and mutual respect.

Incorporating elements of positive peace and the SDGs into the celebration highlights how cultural events can advance global objectives on a community level. The parade’s focus on inclusion and equality encourages individuals to embrace diversity, laying the groundwork for communities to thrive peacefully together. Moreover, by promoting cultural diplomacy, the Puerto Rican Day Parade serves as a model for other communities, inspiring a global movement of peace-building and intercultural respect.

Looking Ahead

The National Puerto Rican Day Parade in New York City is more than just an annual event—it’s a movement. In alignment with ARAC International Inc. and USAID’s goals, the parade will continue to serve as a platform for peace and unity, demonstrating that celebrations of heritage and culture can become powerful tools in building a peaceful, inclusive world. By continuing to focus on diversity, inclusion, and positive peace, the parade embodies a path toward achieving a more united and resilient global society.


As the world looks for models of peace, unity, and cultural diplomacy, the Puerto Rican Day Parade stands out as a beacon, reflecting the possibility of harmony within diversity and reinforcing our shared responsibility toward a better world.