The Dominican Day Parade takes place in New York City on the second Sunday of August celebrating the heritage and contribution of all Americans of Dominican origin. The parade proceeds between noon and 4 pm from South to North on 6th Avenue starting from 38th Street and ending on 56th Street. The procession is accompanied by concerts and celebrations as well as delicious food in Washington Heights. Also, a gala is held on Friday before Sunday's parade at various locations in NYC. All these festivities draw about 10,000 participants.
Dominican Americans comprise about 14% of the NYC population. Every year, the Dominican Day Parade has a different theme to showcase the richness of Dominican culture from a different perspective. The parade features honorees from well-known members of the community, like singer and actress Charytin Goyco or costume designer Emilio Sosa.
When is the Dominican Day Parade in New York
Dominican Day always falls on the second Sunday of August because on that day Dominicans mark the start of La Guerra de la Restauracion (the Restauration War for the Second Independence from Spain led by General Gregorio Luperon). It started on August 16, 1863, and ended on March 3, 1865, when the Dominican Republic regained its independence from Spain for the second time. The Dominican Day Parade itself was started in 1982 by Dominican American community leaders in NYC.
Dominican Parade Gala and Scholarships
The Dominican Day Parade is more than just a festive procession. Since 2015, the event has raised almost one million dollars in scholarships for students of Dominican descent to be able to continue their education. The National Dominican Day Parade Gala always takes place on the eve of the parade. A significant event for the Dominican Republic diaspora in New York City, the Gala usually features various entertainment, an open bar, dinner, and music. Every year, the event sells out, raising up to 200,000 in scholarships, granted for college and postgraduate students. Helping talented young people of Dominican descent to continue to excel is a primary goal of the Dominican Day festivities. Scholarship applications are due in early April. The winners are determined on August 9, 2024. Students can receive their scholarships during a special Scholarship Ceremony on November 20, 2024.
