The 38th annual Bronx Puerto Rican Day Parade returns to the borough this weekend after a four-year hiatus. News 12's Noëlle Lilley spoke to the parade organizers who say this year is more important than ever at a time when research shows more Puerto Ricans are leaving New York City.

The parade will kick off Oct. 19 on The Grand Concourse between East 164th Street and Mount Eden Avenue. This year's theme is "Nuestra Musica Folklorica, Bomba y Plena," in honor of Puerto Rico’s musical traditions.

The weekend will also honor New Yorkers who have made a difference in the Puerto Rican community, including Bernie Hernandez of Aspira, who is the recipient of this year's Education of Service Award, and Pilar Maschi, of City Parks Foundation, who will be receive the Nonprofit Community Advocate of the Year. Show Assemblymember Karines Reyes will serve as the Grand Marshal, and state Sen. Nathalia Fernandez has been named "Madrina" of the parade.