Thousands of Quisqueyanos participated this Sunday in the Great Dominican Parade of the Bronx, which returned with all its color and joy after an absence of two years.
For many, participating in this parade was like returning to the island. “It’s like I’m in my country, my beloved country, better than that none,” said Sara Perez.
“It’s as if I were in my country, my beloved country, better than none,” she said.
Some 38 floats and dozens of comparsas with music, dances and all the folklore that represent the Dominican Republic marched the length and breadth of the Grand Concourse Avenue from 181st Street to 167th Street.
“I am very happy to be here and to know that we are celebrating a day of us Dominicans again,” Maria German told NY-1.
The Dominican community has been celebrating this parade in The Bronx for more than three decades, but the last two years it was canceled because of the pandemic.
And for Felipe Febles, the founder and director of the parade, the return of this parade represents the strength of the Dominican community throughout New York City.
“We have arrived here, we have arrived at a time when we are already unified and we have much more to do, because there are always many more things to do,” he said.
On his side, Congressman Adriano Espaillat highlighted the great role that Dominicans play in the economy of New York City.
“Half a million Dominicans here in Bronx County and one million Dominicans in New York City, so our contribution is significant,” he said.
In addition, Mayor Erick Adams and other local politicians, also joined in honoring this community.
“I am proud to be the mayor of the largest Dominican community outside the country!” wrote the mayor in a message on social networks.
“Honored to celebrate our Dominican brothers and sisters at the 33rd Annual Bronx Dominican Day Parade,” he added.
