Caribbean pride on display at Bronx Dominican Day Parade
NEW YORK -- The Bronx Dominican Day Parade was held on Sunday afternoon.
There was plenty of Latin music as the parade made its way up the Grand Concourse, beginning on East 176th Street in the Mount Hope section of the borough.
For decades, the annual event has highlighted the Caribbean nation's music, food, culture and history.
There were feet moving, hands clapping, and flags waving. It's how you celebrate the Bronx Dominican Day Parade.
"We're all Dominican today," one person told CBS2's Zinnia Maldonado.
"It means pride, joy. It means to just live," another person said.
"It's good to know where you come from," another said.
It had been two years since the last parade was held in person. Those CBS2 spoke with couldn't be happier to be back in the Bronx celebrating Dominican culture and heritage.
"We've missed this for two years, so this year I'm like, we're doing it big, going all out," a person said.
"I want to represent the Dominican Republic," a young girl said. "It's just like pride and everything I want to represent who I am."
Leading the sea of red, white and blue down the Grand Concourse was Mayor Eric Adams, followed by dancers singers and organizations. They were all cheered on by those on the sidelines passionate about their Caribbean island.
"We need to show everybody our tradition, where we come from, our culture and how beautiful our flag is," one person said.
"It's for the little ones to show them not only are they Americans but also Dominicans, so it's to show them where they come from and their heritage," another said.
And by the end of the day, whether it was merengue or dembow, everyone was on their feet.
"White, Black, Mexican, Puerto Rican, it doesn't matter today. We all come together to enjoy and appreciate the beautiful Dominican heritage," said A.P. Rodriguez of the Bronx.