August 13, 2024
Thousands lined 6th Avenue Sunday afternoon to watch and cheer on the Dominican Day Parade. There were traditional Carnival characters dancing merengue and cracking long ropey whips, floats from various companies and organizations, and marching bands. At one point a procession of about a dozen high end automobiles drove through the parade. The music played at full blast and the dancing was nonstop, as were the flag waving and joyful vibes. A delegation of City Council Members waved to onlookers as they they strolled past Radio City Music Hall. During a break in the parade of vehicles and floats, thousands of young people filled the Avenue from side to side and for several blocks long. Mayor Adams and Governor Hochul greeted the parade and the Governor also announced funding for a $12.5 Million Dominican Arts and Culture Center.
Inwood’s City Council Member Carmen De La Rosa
“¡Qué viva la República Dominicana! So proud to walk with my Dominican brothers and sisters in the National Dominican Day Parade. Great weather, infectious energy, and New Yorkers coming together to celebrate the diversity that makes us great —that’s the New York Spirit!” ~ Mayor Adams
Paris 2024 Olympic Champion Marileidy Paulino was honored at the Parade.
“Gracias, Buenos Dias. First of all, I want to say one thing: Viva la República Dominicana! I just needed to say that first of all. We have one of the most incredible, most effective champions — our voice in Washington, D.C. — I served with this man in Washington. Adriano Espaillat is a powerhouse — not just here, but across the nation. We are so blessed to have him as our Congressmember. Let’s give another round of applause to Congressmember Espaillat.
“Also, another amazing partner of mine in government as we work to fight crime and make sure that our bodegas are protected from retail theft. My partner, Mayor Eric Adams.
“All of our leaders who are here, my colleagues in the Assembly, in the Senate, our Councilmembers, I’m grateful for all of you. I have some very good news here today. Let me tell you this: I cherish this community. This community is so powerful. One million strong in the City of New York.
“We also need to make sure that we preserve and protect the heritage, the culture, the food, the stories. How do we do that? How about $12.5 million for the first of its kind Center for Arts and Culture, right here in New York. We’re going to celebrate the arts and culture and the heart of CUNY.
“This will be the first in the nation, my friends, and we’ll make it happen right here. And let me present this. How do you like the size of this check? Congratulations to this amazing community. I am there for you; you guys are there for me. Let’s continue celebrating the people, the treasures, the food, the culture; all of the Dominican community. Carry on everyone. Thank you, bless you.” ~Governor Hochul