BRONX
DOMINICAN DAY
PARADE BRINGS
OUT HUNDREDS
BY DEAN MOSES
The Dominican Republic’s red,
white, and blue colors majestically
soared over the Bronx on Sunday as the
community once again celebrated the
Dominican Day Parade, but this time at
full force.
Drawing hundreds from all around
the city, the July 25 event has the distinction
of being one of the fi rst parades
eligible to host at a larger capacity following
the easing of COVID-19 pandemic
restrictions placed on previous
functions such as the Puerto Rican Day
Parade.
With an army of fl ag wavers wedging
themselves against the metal barriers
along Grand Concourse and 172nd
Street, the occasion reinvigorated a borough
hard hit by the coronavirus.
The Bronx Dominican Day Parade
has been a time-honored tradition
for the community for more than 32
years, highlighting the Caribbean nation’s
music, food, culture and history.
The sounds of bachata, merengue, and
salsa echoed from speakers as dancers
twirled their dresses and shook their
hips.
Mayor Bill de Blasio, a Democrat,
joined mayoral candidates Eric Adams,
a Democrat, and Curtis Sliwa, a Republican,
and local elected offi cials as they
praised Dominican culture by marching
down Grand Concourse Avenue.
The fl oats, colorful outfi ts and pounding
music drew much fanfare from the
crowd who had set up seats in order
to see the vibrant march and the next
mayor of New York City.
Both Sliwa and Adams made the
rounds, with many in the crowd already
referring to Adams as mayor; there’s
still an election in November, though
the current Brooklyn borough president
is the odds-on favorite. Prior to setting
off, Adams personally thanked the
Dominican community and credited
their support for his victory in the Democratic
primary.
The current mayor, de Blasio, led the
charge, helping to haul a gigantic fl ag
along the parade route. The vivid sights
and roaring sounds were a far cry from
last year’s occasion which merely featured
a virtual commemoration. It was
clear that both marchers and spectators
alike were happy to be back.
BRONX TIMES REPORTER, J 8 ULY 30-AUG. 5, 2021 BTR
The Bronx Dominican Day Parade was back for in-person celebration on July 25.
Photos Dean Moses
Droves of observers fl ocked to the Bronx for the annual parade honoring Dominican
traditions.
A gigantic Dominican fl ag was unfurled.