The 42nd National Dominican Day Parade will take over New York City’s Sixth Avenue this Sunday, August 11, 2024, bringing vibrant energy and the rhythms of merengue to Midtown Manhattan. As the city prepares for this annual celebration of Dominican culture, spectators can look forward to a lively procession of colorful floats, dynamic dancers, and spirited music.

Parade Schedule and Route

The festivities kick off at noon, with the parade making its way along Sixth Avenue from 36th Street to 55th Street. The parade route will be filled with excitement as participants showcase Dominican heritage through music, dance, and elaborate floats. The New York City Department of Transportation has announced several street closures in the parade’s vicinity, which will be in effect before, during, and after the event at the NYPD’s discretion. Specific closures include:

• Formation: Sixth Avenue between 37th and 38th Streets, 36th Street between Broadway and Fifth Avenue, and 38th and 37th Streets between Fifth and Seventh Avenues.
• Route: Sixth Avenue between 36th Street and 55th Street.
• Dispersal: 55th Street between Sixth and Fifth Avenues, and 55th Street between Seventh and Sixth Avenues.

Celebrating Merengue: This Year’s Theme

The theme for this year’s parade is “Merengue: Nuestro Ritmo,” translating to “Merengue: Our Rhythm.” This theme highlights merengue’s deep-rooted significance in Dominican culture. Parade organizers emphasize that merengue is more than a musical genre; it represents a vital aspect of Dominican cultural identity, embodying joy, resilience, and community spirit. Merengue’s history spans over 170 years and reflects a blend of African, Spanish, and native rhythms, which has contributed to its popularity across the Caribbean. A key milestone in its evolution was the incorporation of the accordion in the 1870s, which transformed the genre’s sound and solidified its place in local celebrations.

Grand Marshals and Special Guests

This year’s parade will be graced by the presence of the renowned merengue band Los Hermanos Rosario as the grand marshals. Their participation underscores the celebration of merengue music and its role in Dominican culture. Last year’s parade saw a historic first with the attendance of the President of the Dominican Republic, who also served as a grand marshal. This year, the focus returns to celebrating Dominican culture through the lively rhythms and joyful spirit of merengue.

As the parade steps off, New Yorkers and visitors alike will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the vibrant culture of the Dominican Republic, experiencing the rich tradition of merengue and the festive atmosphere of this iconic event.