Scores attend 30th Dominican Day Parade
Flag-bearing marchers carry their country's colors up Sixth Avenue. (Aug. 12, 2012) Credit: Tim Herrera
A sea of red, white and blue flooded Sixth Avenue Sunday as hundreds of thousands of people came out for the 30th annual Dominican Day Parade.
Extravagant floats, costumed revelers and traveling dance parties rolled up Sixth from 36th to 52nd streets starting around noon, and some parade-goers said it was among the proudest days of the year.
"I love my seeing my people together and celebrating where we come from and our heritage," said Altagracia Gomez, 31, of Astoria, whose heritage is Dominican.
"It makes me feel good to see everyone out, all the different faces. Everyone's so diversified, but today we all come together and we're unified with pride in our country. It just makes me so proud," she said.
Demi Gonzalez, 18, of Staten Island, who is also Dominican, agreed.
"I feel really honored. Everybody wants to come together and celebrate where we came from and have a good time," she said.
Some politicians were on the scene for the celebration, including Republican Mayor Michael Bloomberg; Democratic Councilman Ydanis Rodriguez, who represents upper Manhattan; and Rep. Charlie Rangel (D-Harlem).
"It's a beautiful day," Rangel said from the back of the teal convertible he rode in. "Everyone's Dominican, it's gorgeous out, let's go, Dominican Republic!"
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