Photo Coverage: Chita Rivera Named Grand Marshal of Puerto Rican Day Parade

New York's landmark Fifth Avenue will once again shine with Puerto Rican pride and culture, as the 18th Annual National Puerto Rican Day Parade (56th annual Puerto Rican Day Parade since the event's inception as a local organization), will take place on Sunday, June 9 2013.

In a press conference held at Popular Community Bank Headquarters in Lower Manhattan, Madelyn Lugo, the Parade's President, announced that this year's Grand Marshal is legendary actress/singer/dancer Chita Rivera, whose illustrious career spans over 50 years in entertainment. BroadwayWorld brings you photos from the event below!

Born in Washington DC to a family of Puerto Rican descent, Dolores Conchita Figueroa del Rivero, has won two Tony Awards as Best Leading Actress in a Musical, and received seven additional Tony nominations. She first graced the Great White Way at age 17, as a principal dancer in Call Me Madam, followed by her world-acclaimed performance as "Anita" in the original Broadway production of West Side Story. She also starred in such celebrated productions as Bye Bye Birdie, Chicago, The Rink, Kiss of the Spider Woman, A Dancer's Life (a musical that celebrated her groundbreaking work), the revival of Nine, and most recently,The Mystery of Edwin Drood. Rivera received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Barack Obama, and was the first Hispanic to receive the Kennedy Center Honor, among other recognitions.

Lugo also announced that this year's parade theme is Salud -Celebrate your Health, in acknowledgement of the Parade's ongoing health awareness campaign, which hosts an annual series of events that includes a walkathon, free health fairs and screenings, and educational forums. In addition, the Parade is paying homage to the Puerto Rican community's contribution to health sciences and health administration nationwide.

Photo Credit: Jennifer Broski

Puerto Rican Day Parade performers

Madelyn Lugo

Dr. Mildred Allen

Ambar

Dr. Aida Rosa

Hon. Hector L. Diaz

George Gresham

Madelyn Lugo, Chita Rivera and committee members

Chita Rivera

Chita Rivera, Madelyn Lugo

Madelyn Lugo, Chita Rivera

George Gresham, Dr. Mildred Allen, Dr. Aida Rosa, Madelyn Lugo, Chita Rivera, Ambar, Hon. Hector L. Diaz

Chita Rivera

George Gresham, Chita Rivera

George Gresham, Chita Rivera

Chita Rivera

Chita Rivera and Puerto Rican Day Parade performers

Chita Rivera and Puerto Rican Day Parade performers