Dominicans in New York City are once again getting together to party and celebrate their culture in a big way. This Sunday marks the 42nd annual Dominican Day Parade where Dominican culture, pride, and food will be on full display. And dancing. Did we mention the dancing?
What is the Dominican Day Parade?
The Dominican Day Parade was created as a response to the growing number of Dominican immigrants who moved to the Washington Heights and Inwood areas of New York City in the 1960s and 1970s. The annual event was created in 1982 to coincide with the Dominican Republic’s Independence Day on February 27. Today, the parade is held on the second Sunday in August in honor of the country’s “Second Independence” from Spain, aka “La Guerra de Restauracion.”
The annual event celebrating Dominican heritage moved from its original location in Washington Heights to its current route down Manhattan’s 6th Avenue. It serves as a joyful tribute to Dominican culture, folklore, and traditions.
“We come here every year,” One of the thousands of attendees, Rianna Lopez, told ABC7NY News at last year’s parade. “This is our culture, this is a moment where we take to see all our people together.”
In a parade first, in 2023, the President of the Dominican Republic attended the event and even served as its grand marshal.
What happens at the parade?
Over the years, it has grown into a massive cultural extravaganza.
On the second Sunday of August, the streets come alive with a sea of Dominican flags. The parade runs along Sixth Avenue (Avenue of the Americas) from 37th Street to 55th Street.
Amongst the non-stop partying, there will be parade floats, musical guests, and politicians on hand to celebrate all things Dominican. But it’s not just about heritage.It’’s also a time to fundraise for young students. Since 2015, the parade has committed over $1 million in scholarships to more than 200 students across 20 states.
This Year’s Theme: “Merengue: Nuestro Ritmo”
The 42nd anniversary of the parade celebrates merengue, which is more than a musical genre for the community. It’s a vital part of Dominican identity.
“This theme recognizes Merengue as more than just music—it’s a vital part of our cultural fabric, embodying joy, resilience, and the community spirit deeply rooted in Dominican identity,” event organizers told Time Out New York.
Los Hermanos Rosario, a renowned merengue band, serves as this year’s Grand Marshal.
“For the last couple of years, more than 1 million people have attended this cultural celebration,” New York PIX11 News Reporter Eliecer Marte explains. “Organizers are saying that this year it's going to be bigger and better.”
