Midtown was illuminated with music and dance during the National Dominican Day Parade.
In the heart of New York City, on August 10, the vibrant sounds of Latin music filled the air as thousands of New Yorkers danced along Sixth Avenue for the annual National Dominican Day Parade.
This year's parade, the 43rd edition, had a special guest as its Grand Marshal - seven-time Major League Baseball (MLB) star, Nelson Cruz. Cruz, a retired player who spent much of his career with the New York Yankees, was chosen for his long-standing connection to and recognition of the Dominican community, particularly in New York City.
Governor Kathy Hochul, who kicked off the parade, expressed her pride in being the Governor at the event and emphasized New York City's love for its immigrant community, including the Dominican community. She pledged to stand up in solidarity with the community and announced strides are being made with a $12 million funding for the Dominican Cultural Center in Northern Manhattan.
The parade's theme, "Quisqueya & USA: United by Culture and Tradition," reflected the strong bond between the Dominican Republic and the United States. The route of the parade stretched from 36th Street and Sixth Avenue to 55th Street in Midtown, featuring dozens of floats filled with music, dance, and vibrant colours.
Cruz, who also serves as the First Vice President of the National Dominican Day Parade Board since 2022, was chosen for his contributions to New York City and his work with the Broomstick23 Foundation. The Foundation, aimed at improving health and education in the Dominican Republic, was a significant part of Cruz's commitment to his roots.
However, further details about the Broomstick23 Foundation and its connection to the National Dominican Day Parade could not be confirmed from the provided search results.
Despite this, the 2022 National Dominican Day Parade was a celebration of unity, culture, and tradition, showcasing the vital role the Dominican community plays in making New York City a vibrant and diverse city.
- Social media channels buzzed with images and videos of the lively 2022 National Dominican Day Parade, featuring fashion-and-beauty displays, music performances, and dance shows, reflecting the vibrant pop-culture blend of both Dominican Republic and the United States.
- Amidst the festivities, celebrities such as Nelson Cruz, the Grand Marshal, were highlighted for their contributions to the Dominican community and for upholding the spirit of unity and cultural respect, both on and off socail media.
- The annual event, a cherished tradition in the city, also marked the intersection of entertainment and social responsibility, as Cruz's participation in the parade pushed the spotlight on his work with the Broomstick23 Foundation, focusing on health and education in the Dominican Republic.