Tens of thousands of people were on hand Sunday for the Puerto Rican/Hispanic Day Parade in Brentwood.

The parade is one of the biggest annual celebrations on Long Island.

Kenia Hurtado, who is half Puerto Rican, says this has become a tradition in her family. She says since she was 4 years old she has been coming to the Puerto Rican Hispanic Day parade in Brentwood for the sights.

Organizers say in the past the parade has been a celebration of Latino and their rich history. They say this year they are focusing on the future with the slogan "United More than Ever."

After a rash of gang violence in the area, this year's grand marshal, Suffolk Legislator Monica Martinez, says this is a chance for the 3,000 people and 60 groups marching down Fifth Avenue to take their community back.

"We want the communities of both Central Islip, Brentwood and part of North Bay Shore that we have to really come together as one. And this is the only way we are going to move forward,” she says.

 The parade is in its 51st year.