History – Puerto Ricans United. Inc. was created because of the growing demand from Puerto Ricans living in the New Haven area to relaunch a Puerto Rican Festival in the city. If you have lived, worked, or visited the New Haven area then you recall the days when Areyto Inc., the Puerto Rican Day Parade, and Loiza Festival were all signs that summer is here in our city! 

After a roughly ten year absence, in 2015, Joe Rodriguez, PRU’s co-founder, convened a group of New Haven leaders to help create and launch the organization. In a short six years, the all – volunteer organization has sponsored, hosted, partnered, to produce many local cultural events throughout the New Haven area. From our regional festival, food & toy drives, Parrandas & Holiday celebrations,  an annual Three Kings Day Event, an Award Gala, and so much more, PRU continues to grow. 

In 2020/2021, when we were hit with a horrific pandemic, PRU responded to the challenge and utilized its online present to share local health information. We donated masks and other personal protective equipment to local senior centers, and partnered to support food and toy drives for the holidays.