Dominican Day Parade - August 11, 2024

NEW YORK, NY — A spectacular celebration of Caribbean culture unfolded on Sunday, August 11, 2024, as the 42nd National Dominican Day Parade marched up Sixth Avenue in Manhattan.

The parade’s theme was "Merengue: Nuestro Ritmo" (Merengue: Our Rhythm), a vibrant tribute to the fast-paced, beloved dance and music genre that is a cornerstone of Dominican identity. The event brought together hundreds of thousands of spectators and participants in a dazzling display of national pride.

Highlights of the Day:

• Grand Marshals, The Kings of Merengue: In a fitting honor for the theme, the Grand Marshal title was bestowed upon the legendary merengue band Los Hermanos Rosario. Their infectious music energized the crowd and provided the official soundtrack for the procession.

• Cultural Focus: Floats were creatively designed to honor the history and cultural significance of merengue, alongside traditional folkloric elements like the colorful and boisterous Diablos Cojuelos (limping devils).

• Parade Route and Crowd: The parade stepped off at noon and traveled up Sixth Avenue from 37th Street to 55th Street. The crowds were immense, with an estimated half a million people lining the route to wave the red, white, and blue of the Dominican flag.

• Honoring Community Leaders: In addition to the musical headliners, the parade honored numerous distinguished figures from the Dominican community, including actor Jochy Santos as the King of the Parade and rapper Bulin 47 as the International King, recognizing their contributions to entertainment and culture.

The 2024 parade was an unforgettable cultural moment that solidified the Dominican community's legacy in New York City, celebrated through the universally beloved rhythm of merengue.