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Comerienos ausentes (video in two parts): early Puerto Rican parade, Hartford, 1969

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@ Hartford History Center, Hartford Public Library

Biggs, Julian Glascock, Baylis

Description

Views of one the earliest Puerto Rican parades in Hartford, 1969. Puerto Rican community groups march down Main Street in the North End of Hartford. Groups include one displaying a sign identifying Comerienos Ausentes, which refers to Puerto Ricans from Comerio, Puerto Rico, who were “absent” or “exiles” from Comerio because of their status as Hartford residents. Girls holding up this sign are followed by marching girls in uniforms with batons and the sound of marching band drums. There is also representation of religious groups, who carry images, including a large Jesus on the cross being carried by several men as well as signs that identify “Hijas de Maria” (daughters of Mary), “Senoras del la Providencia” (women of the [divine] providence), “Cursillos de Cristianidad” (pathways to Christianity) and “Santo Nombre” (holy name). Children and families watch from windows and march down the street with the community groups. Religious songs are being sung. A large group is led to the steps of a church and a prayer and sermon begin. Footage cuts to a concert of salsa and performances of countryside classics featuring singers Bobby Capo and Florencio Morales "Flor" Ramos (Ramito). A sea of faces can be seen at the front of the concert with the church in the background. People sing along to songs and respond in call and response of song lyrics. The crowd is smiling and clapping. Large Puerto Rican and American flags can be seen being held by men in the crowd.
Type:
Video
Format:
Video Recordings Color
Rights:
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Record Contributed By

Hartford History Center, Hartford Public Library

Record Harvested From

Connecticut Digital Archive