HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — The CICD’s Greater Hartford Puerto Rican Day Parade and Festival, originally scheduled for this Sunday, is being postponed, the organization announced Thursday afternoon.

Leaders cited the death of Hartford Officer Robert “Bobby” Garten, killed in a car crash while on duty, for the decision.

“In honor of Officer Garten and to respect the mourning period of our community, we have decided to postpone the Puerto Rican Day Parade and Festival to a later date still to be determined,” an announcement from the CICD reads. “This decision was not made lightly, as we understand the importance of coming together to celebrate our culture. However, we believe it is the right course of action to pay our respects and support our community in this time of grief.”

The postponement also includes the Festival del Coquí and the Faith Outreach Concert.

Amilcar Hernandez, the CICD treasurer, told News 8 that organizers hope to hold the parade at the end of September or in early October. They expect to announce a new date by the end of next week.

News 8 is a proud sponsor of the annual event and will continue to bring you updates.

The video below is from News 8 at 6 p.m. on Sept. 7, 2023.