Media Contact:
press@natddp.org
Twitter: @NatDDP
NEW YORK, NY, [July 15, 2024] – As we approach the 42nd anniversary of the National Dominican Day Parade, we are set to celebrate this year’s theme, “Merengue: Nuestro Ritmo.” This theme recognizes Merengue as more than just music—it’s a vital part of our cultural fabric, embodying joy, resilience, and the community spirit deeply rooted in Dominican identity. The parade will take place on Sunday, August 11th, beginning at noon along the Avenue of the Americas from 37th to 55th Street.
Cristina Contreras, Chair of the National Dominican Day Parade Board of Directors, shared this year’s lineup of distinguished honorees and dedicated sponsors at the press conference. Held on July 15 at 11 AM at the Alianza Dominicana Cultural Center, the announcement was accompanied by the sounds of merengue music, highlighting the dance and rhythm that have deeply influenced Dominican social and cultural expressions. Welcoming remarks were provided by Congress member Adriano Espaillat and DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. In recognition of “Merengue: Nuestro Ritmo” an original poem was recited by Dominican Artist Erol Diaz.
In true celebration of Dominican Culture -The Andulleros of Santiago, and the Ramona Torres folklore group along with Chiqui Taveras provided the artistic flair to the press conference.
2024 Honorees Included:
In addition to the honorees, the National Dominican Day Parade is proud to announce its valued sponsors for the 2024 parade. These sponsors have shown unwavering support for the Dominican community and have played a crucial role in making the parade a resounding success.
The sponsors for the 2024 Dominican Day Parade include:
Note: This list of Sponsors is currently in formation.
“We extend our sincere thanks to our honorees and sponsors, whose support and dedication not only makes our parade possible but also deepens our commitment to celebrating our rich Dominican heritage. This year, with ‘Merengue: Nuestro Ritmo,’ we look forward to bringing together the community to celebrate the enduring spirit of our culture,” said Cristina Contreras.
Congressman Adriano Espaillat highlighted this year’s focus on the vibrant musical traditions that define the Dominican Republic and other cultures, with Merengue representing the Dominican essence.
Consul General Eligio Jáquez invited the Dominican community to embody their heritage proudly, emphasizing the parade’s role in celebrating their national identity.
Ydanis Rodriguez added that the parade’s location along the Avenue of the Americas, marked by national medallions from 43 nations, underscores the unity and diversity celebrated in this iconic New York City event.
ABOUT: National Dominican Day Parade, Inc. is a nonpartisan, 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation that mentors and empowers youth in their higher educational endeavors, organizes an annual gala and a parade (2nd Sunday in the month of August) along with year-long festivities that promote the richness of the culture, folklore and popular traditions of the Dominican Republic. The organization strives to provide deeper knowledge about the heritage and contributions of people of Dominican descent in the United States and elsewhere in the world. We present various events that highlight our people and community.
For more information and updates about the parade, please visit WWW.NATDDP.ORG
For Planning Purposes, Future NatDDP Activities:
July 16th | 5:30 p. m.
YONKERS DOMINICAN HERITAGE CELEBRATION
Yonkers City Hall
40 S Broadway. Yonkers, NY 10701
July 30th | 6 – 8 p. m.
BROOKLYN DAY OF ACTION
Cypress Hills Community Center
276 Chestnut Street. Brooklyn, NY 11208-1203
August 1st | 6 – 8 p. m.
MANHATTAN HERITAGE
United Palace
4140 Broadway. New York, NY 10033
August 5th & 6th | 3 – 7 p. m.
WRISTBAND / PERMIT DISTRIBUTION *For registered participants only
Alianza Dominicana
530 West 166 street, 2nd Fl. New York, NY 10032
August 6th | 9 a. m.
GOYA FOOD DISTRIBUTION
Brooklyn, NY 10034
August 9th | 8 p. m.
BENEFIT GALA
Greentree Country Club
538 Davenport Ave. New Rochelle, NY 10805
August 11th | 12 p. m.
NATIONAL DOMINICAN DAY PARADE
6th Ave. (Avenue of the Americas)
Start: 37th. st. End: 55th. St.
Note: This is a list of events currently in formation. Dates and times are subject to change at any time. Please check for updates regularly.
Honorees Bios:
Alfredo Acosta: Esteemed reporter for Noticiero 47 Telemundo, Alfredo Acosta brings crucial news to the New York Tri-State area and has been honored with three Emmy® awards.
Ana J. Almanzar: Deputy Mayor for Strategic Initiatives in New York City and Chair of the Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City, Ana Almanzar has a rich history of enhancing community relations and spearheading significant public initiatives, including a major poverty reduction program across New York State.
Anderson Torres, PhD, LCSW-R, AWA: Dr. Torres is President of R.A.I.N. TOTAL CARE, INC., championing comprehensive care for aging populations and a noted expert in geriatric mental health. An award-winning author, he significantly influences Latino healthcare and policy.
Antonio Espaillat: A dominant media and business leader in the Dominican Republic, Antonio Espaillat heads RCC Media, influencing vast audiences across 50 FM and 25 AM stations, and two national TV channels.
Amaurys Grullon: Bronx native and dynamic entrepreneur, Amaurys Grullon co-founded Bronx Native & Tag Up Studios, driving cultural innovation and social change through diverse creative projects.
DJ Aneudy (Aneudy Reynoso): Known as “El Gigante,” DJ Aneudy is a prominent figure in the New York music scene, renowned for his dynamic presence on Mega 97.9’s “El Vacilón de la Mañana” and his influential partnerships with major brands like Remy Martin and DCH Paramus Honda. A former aspiring baseball player, DJ Aneudy’s passion for music has made him a cornerstone of the Latino community and an inspiration to many.
Ariana Collado: A devoted community leader and Executive Director of the Bronx Democratic Party, orchestrates impactful political campaigns and civic initiatives, fostering significant community and governmental engagement.
Denise Felipe-Adams: Visionary leader in New York City’s Mayor’s Office of Innovation and Emerging Markets, Denise Felipe-Adams spearheads major system changes to enhance city operations through innovative technologies.
Eliecer Marte: Award-winning journalist and dynamic storyteller, Eliecer Marte has made significant impacts through his coverage at PIX11, highlighting major societal issues.
Fernando Ortiz: Committed public servant and educator, Fernando Ortiz champions environmental justice and sustainable development in Upper Manhattan and The Bronx.
Janet Peguero: Trailblazing Deputy Bronx Borough President, Janet Peguero tirelessly bridges community resources and advocates for health and economic well-being in the Bronx.
Deputy Chief Jose Frias: NYPD veteran and advocate for employee wellbeing, Deputy Chief Jose Frias directs human resources and health services for the department, enhancing operational excellence.
Luis A. Miranda, Jr.: A pivotal figure in public advocacy and political consulting, Luis Miranda has shaped major political campaigns and led key cultural and nonprofit organizations in NYC. Founding President of the Hispanic Federation and author of the memoir Relentless, Miranda has dedicated four decades to empowering Latino communities and enriching American public life.
Manuel Ruiz: Renowned journalist and broadcaster, Manuel Ruiz has significantly influenced Dominican media through decades of dedicated service, from pioneering radio programming to leading television production and contributing to agricultural development. His career has earned him multiple accolades, underscoring his commitment to journalistic excellence and community service.
Pedro Brache Álvarez: Corporate Executive President of Grupo Rica, Pedro leads with a blend of family-instilled values and strategic insight. Starting from the ground up, he champions staff development, emphasizing humility and empathy as core to his success and the company’s growth.
Pedro Rivera: Emmy-winning journalist and anchor for ABC7, Pedro Rivera engages audiences with compelling news coverage and community stories in New York City.
Ramon Fausto Cabral: Community pillar and president of R.C. Audubon Car Service, Ramon Fausto Cabral supports local initiatives and maintains a strong community-oriented business presence in Washington Heights.
Wilson A. Terrero: Wilson A. Terrero, a trailblazer from Las Matas de Farfán, Dominican Republic, served as the first Latino Council Majority Leader in Yonkers. He has significantly contributed to community development through educational and cultural programs, real estate, and business ventures, while also fostering citizenship and civic engagement among Latinos.
Winston Brewster: A pivotal figure in banking and community development, Winston Brewster has championed economic growth and financial inclusion for underserved New York communities, enhancing stability and empowerment.
Zoila Del Castillo: Trailblazer in public service, Zoila Del Castillo shapes economic opportunity and consumer protection strategies as Deputy Secretary of State for Economic Opportunity in New York.
Executive Team
Cristina Contreras, Chair, Board of Directors
Wilton Cedeno, Immediate Past Chair, Special Advisor
Jose Ramon Martinez, 1st Vice President and Co-Chair Education/Scholarship
Leonardo Ivan Dominguez – 2nd Vice-President, Co-Chair Arts & Culture Committee
Manuel Saez, Treasurer
Maria T. Osorio, Secretary
Board of Directors
Bernardo “Bernie” Rodriguez, Chair, Volunteer Committee
Gregoria Feliciano, Co-Chair, Scholarship Committee
Dorian Rojas Chair, Chair, Development Committee
Ronnie Caraballo, Board Member
María M. Khury, Board Member
María Lizardo, Board Member
Osaliki Sepulveda, Board Member
The Dominican Day Parade, Inc. is a nonpartisan, 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation that organizes year-long activities and an annual parade that promotes the richness of our culture, folklore and popular traditions of the Dominican Republic. The organization strives to provide deeper knowledge about the heritage and contributions of people of Dominican descent in the United States and elsewhere in the world. For more information visit
https://NatDDP.org
Dominican Day Parade Inc. is an exempt organization as described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code; EIN 47-3537708
