Annual Puerto Rican Day Parade marches through Manhattan

MIDTOWN (WABC) -- Hundreds of thousands of people packed Fifth Avenue Sunday for the Puerto Rican Day parade led by the island's governor.

Gov. Alejandro Garcia Padilla was followed by New York City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, a Puerto Rico native.

In front of St. Patrick's Cathedral, Roman Catholic Cardinal Timothy Dolan sported a straw hat over his red skullcap to greet marchers.

He shouted out "Hallelujah! Bienvenidos a todos" - meaning "welcome to all" - while giving out blessings to the mostly Catholic crowd.

The cardinal then did a little dance with Puerto Rican-born entertainer Rita Moreno after she stepped out of her convertible.

Native New Yorker and Latina pioneer Rita Morena is serving as the grand marshal.

Moreno cruised down 5th Avenue in a classic car. A special tribute float to East Harlem victim Nicholas Figueroa was also in the works.

Jose Camacho and Sons started on the parade floats back in April. He hoped to catch a glimpse of this year's grand marshal.

"Rita is legendary in Puerto Rico," says Camacho.

Seeing thousands turned up in full Puerto Rican pride will be a first for her two grandsons. In fact, it will be a first for the singer and actress, who is always in demand.

"The few times I was invited to be a part of it, not the grand marshal, but a part of it, I was working, so I have seen it on film," says Moreno, "so that's why I'm so excited...it's going to be amazing!"

For more information on the Puerto Rican Day Parade, CLICK HERE.

STREET CLOSURES

Formation:

44th Street between Broadway and Madison Avenue

45th Street between Broadway and Madison Avenue

46th Street between 6th Avenue and Madison Avenue

47th Street between 6th Avenue and Madison Avenue

48th Street between 6th Avenue and Madison Avenue

Route:

5th Avenue between 42nd Street and 79th Street

Dispersal:

5th Avenue between 79th Street and 86th Street

79th Street between 5th Avenue and Park Avenue

80th Street between 5th Avenue and Lexington Street

81st Street between 5th Avenue and Lexington Street

82nd Street between 5th Avenue and Lexington Street

83rd Street between 5th Avenue and Lexington Street

84th Street between 5th Avenue and Lexington Street

85th Street between 5th Avenue and Lexington Street

Miscellaneous:

80th Street between Park Avenue and 3rd Avenue

43rd Street between 6th Avenue and Madison Avenue

Madison Avenue between 44th Street and 49th Street

6th Avenue between 44th Street and 49th Street

(Some information from the Associated Press.)