On Sunday, August 11 at noon, the sounds of merengue will fill the streets of New York City as the 42nd National Dominican Day Parade takes place. This year, the parade will run along Avenue of the Americas (Sixth Avenue) from 37th Street to 55th Street, celebrating the rich culture and traditions of the Dominican community in the United States.
With the theme “Merengue: Nuestro Ritmo,” this year’s event will focus on the history and significance of this iconic musical genre for Dominican identity. “Merengue unites us, fills us with joy and pride,” shared Gregoria Feliciano, a board member of the National Dominican Day Parade.
Among the honorees this year are Grupo Rica CEO and President Pedro Brache Alvarez, who serves as this year’s “El Padrino,” and Channel 7’s own news anchor, Pedro Rivera. The parade’s grand marshal will be the legendary band “Los Hermanos Rosario,” known for their emblematic merengue performances.
Beyond celebrating cultural heritage, the parade is also a charitable event. Organizers raise funds for scholarships to help young Dominicans achieve their academic goals. Since 2015, over $1 million in scholarships has been awarded to more than 200 students across 20 states.
