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Empire State Building shines Dominican colors for 44th parade in New York
🇵🇾 Paraguay /Culture & Society

Empire State Building shines Dominican colors for 44th parade in New York

From ABC Color · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • The Empire State Building lit up in the Dominican Republic's colors to celebrate the 44th Dominican Day Parade in New York.
  • Thousands of Dominicans marched along Sixth Avenue, celebrating their culture and contributions to the city under the theme 'Dominicans: Identity and Culture'.
  • City officials, including the mayor and governor, expressed pride in the Dominican community and pledged support against immigration enforcement abuses.

New York City's iconic Empire State Building glowed with the red, blue, and white of the Dominican flag on Sunday, marking the culmination of the 44th annual Dominican Day Parade. The vibrant celebration saw thousands of Dominicans fill Sixth Avenue, celebrating their heritage and contributions to the city under the theme 'Dominicans: Identity and Culture'.

Every day more proud of our diaspora. Thank you for the love and support. Thank you for every greeting and every hug.

— Santiago Matías ('Alofoke')The businessman shared his feelings on social media after lighting up the Empire State Building.

Businessman Santiago Matías, known as 'Alofoke,' had the honor of illuminating the landmark. He later shared his pride on social media, thanking the diaspora for their support and the city's police for their assistance. The parade itself was a lively affair, filled with the rhythms of merengue and bachata, as participants showcased their presence and impact across various sectors.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani highlighted the significance of the event, noting that over one in eight New Yorkers have Dominican roots. "Today we celebrate all that the community has contributed to this city. We are very proud that so many Dominican New Yorkers consider this city their home," he stated.

Today we celebrate all that the community has contributed to this city. We are very proud that so many Dominican New Yorkers consider this city their home.

— Zohran MamdaniThe Mayor of New York City speaking at the Dominican Day Parade.

Governor Kathy Hochul echoed this sentiment, assuring the community of their recognition and celebration. She also firmly addressed concerns about immigration enforcement, stating, "This has to stop. We are here in New York State to firmly oppose these abuses." Her remarks underscored a commitment to protecting the community from what she described as abuses by ICE.

We honor you, we celebrate you, and we also want to protect you from the abuses of ICE, which are terrorizing people in our streets across the United States. This has to stop. We are here in the state of New York to firmly oppose these abuses.

— Kathy HochulThe Governor of New York addressing the Dominican community at the parade.

The parade proceeded under a heightened police presence, with canine and mounted units, drones, helicopters, and numerous officers, both in uniform and plainclothes, ensuring security. Dominican Consul in New York, Jesús Vázquez Martínez, commended the "civility, order, discipline, and enthusiasm" displayed by the hundreds of thousands of attendees. He emphasized the community's ability to project its culture with joy, responsibility, and respect for New York City, which has embraced them.

civility, order, discipline, and enthusiasm

— Jesús Vázquez MartínezThe Dominican Consul in New York praised the conduct of the parade attendees.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Color in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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