Holyoke's Fiestas Patronales: Celebrating Puerto Rican culture

Holio's highly anticipated Puerto Rican festival came to a close on Sunday, drawing in hundreds to celebrate their pride and culture. 22 News reporter Nicole Buddy was there for this final day of festivities. I love to come here. The people are so friendly, Dominicans, everybody, you know, Colombians. My parents are born and raised in Guajama, Puerto Rico. We come every year. From salsa dancing to the Puerto Rican flag flying high, Fiesta's Patronales gathered hundreds of people on the final day of the festival, this once a year celebration draws in Puerto Ricans from all over. We came from the birchers, a little drive. You know, we Puerto Ricans work so hard to be like our present to be known. And so I think it's important that we continue the tradition, the cultures. Some even made the trip from New York, the fifth year in a row for one family, a tradition that celebrates part of their family's roots. I was born in, you know, in Syracuse and then my husband's from Yaboka, Puerto Rico. And there's one thing that keeps drawing her back. And every year I'm going up there in the front to dance. God damn. You know, each year Fiesta's patronales recognizes one Puerto Rican city. This year they are recognizing my city, Comio. Juan moved from Puerto Rico just four years ago and since then has made Holio his new home. This is a way to manifest our people in the most positive way. The final day of the weekend long celebration. Not an empty spot on the grass. Many sitting back enjoying the music and others on their feet until the final tune plays. Puerto Rican culture runs deep in Holio, the roots of the city. Some of them are born and raised in Puerto Rico. It's important to know it's like celebrate our culture wherever we at working for you. Nicole Buddy, 22 News.