Jersey City residents lined Montgomery Street Sunday for the city's 49th annual Puerto Rican Day Parade.

Those in attendance were pleased the rain stopped in time for the parade, which featured floats with Gov. Jon Corzine, Republican candidate Chris Christie and one dedicated to Jersey City Det. Marc DiNardo, who died in the line of duty last month.

Several local boxers and beauty queens also joined the festivities. Residents say the parade gives them a chance to celebrate their Puerto Rican heritage with American-born relatives.

"Even though they're living here, they have to know that they are from Puerto Rico," one spectator said.