The National Dominican Day Parade, which draws thousands of people to Manhattan each year to celebrate the culture of the Dominican Republic and its diaspora in New York and beyond, returns this Sunday for its 42nd iteration.
This year’s theme spotlights the music and dance of merengue, a cornerstone of Dominican culture and identity over the centuries. There are more than 1 million Dominican Americans in the New York metro area, according to CUNY’s Dominican Studies Institute, which calls New York City the “hub of the Dominican population in the U.S.”
Here’s what you need to know about the parade, including when and where it’s happening, who’s participating, and street closures.
When does the parade start?
This year’s Dominican Day Parade begins at noon on Sunday, Aug. 11.
Where can I catch it?
The parade runs along Sixth Avenue from 36th to 55th streets in Midtown Manhattan.
Participants will gather in three areas on or near the route, including Sixth Avenue between 37th and 38th streets, 36th Street between Broadway and Fifth Avenue, and 37th and 38th streets between Fifth and Seventh avenues.
Is there a livestream?
If you can’t be there in person, the parade’s organizers have provided a livestream on their YouTube channel in previous years. Some TV outlets like PIX 11 and ABC 7 will broadcast portions of the parade.
Who will be at the parade?
Merengue band Los Hermanos Rosario are grand marshals of the parade, and actor and media personality Jochy Santos is being honored as “king,” according to organizers.
Elected officials at various levels of government also flock to the parade annually. New York state Assemblymember Amanda Septimo, who represents parts of the South Bronx, is expected among those who will join women’s rights activists standing against the criminalization of abortion in the Dominican Republic, which is poised to be upheld in its penal code.
Any street closures to know about?
Here’s the full breakdown of street closures for the parade listed by the city Department of Transportation.
Formation:
- Sixth Avenue between 37th and 38th streets
- 36th Street between Broadway and Fifth Avenue
- 38th and 37th streets between Fifth and Seventh avenues
Route:
- Sixth Avenue between 36th and 55th streets
Dispersal:
- 55th Street between Sixth and Fifth avenues
- 55th Street between Seventh and Sixth avenues