We are all in great expectation awaiting the National Day Dominican Parade to be held on Sunday August 13th beginning at noon along the Avenue of the Americas. Cristina Contreras, Chair of the National Day Dominican Parade (NatDDP) Board of Directors, announced at today’s press conference that for the first time in the history of the parade – the President of the Dominican Republic, the Honorable Luis Abinader will participate in the parade and will be recognized as the Grand Marshal. On hand to make the historic announcement was Congressman Adriano Espaillat, Dominican Consul Eligio Jáquez, Dr. Rafael Lantigua, and GOYA’s Rafael Toro. The announcement was made at the iconic Alianza Dominicana Cultural Center in Washington Heights with the backdrop of the bombastic merengue rhythms and performance from various cultural groups. The Queen of the Parade is is global recording artist and entrepreneur, NATTI NATASHA, and the King of the Parade is the heart pulsating, DJ ADONI. The Cacique of Hope is none other than entrepreneur and community advocate, Antonio Cabrera. Los Lideres, Banda Real, are being recognized as the International Band of the Year, and will perform at the Gala; while the multi-talented Celines Toribio will be honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Dr. Philip Ozuah, President and CEO of Montefiore Medicine will be presented with a special recognition at the August 11th Gala celebration.
Celebrating «Our History, Our People,» the 41st Anniversary of the National Dominican Day Parade recognizes the outstanding individuals who exemplify the richness of Dominican culture and the triumphs of the Dominican community. These honorees and sponsors are the driving force behind the parade’s success, promoting unity, empowerment, and showcasing the vibrant heritage of the Dominican Republic.
NEW YORK, NY, [July 17, 2023] – The National Dominican Day Parade (NatDDP), Inc., a non-profit national organization dedicated to promoting the culture and folklore of the Dominican people in the United States, is thrilled to announce the lineup of honorees for the 2023 Dominican Day Parade. This year’s Honorees represent a diverse group of individuals who have made significant contributions in their respective fields and have served as ambassadors of Dominican culture.
The Honorees for the 2023 National Dominican Day Parade include:
- El Gran Mariscal: Hon. Luis Abinader, President of the Dominican Republic
- Rey Internacional: DJ Adoni
- Reina Internacional: Natti Natasha
- Cacique de la Esperanza: Antonio Cabrera
- La Banda Internacional: Los Lideres – Banda Real
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Celines Toribio
- Embajador de La Cultura: Conjunto Folklórico de Alianza Dominicana
- El Campeón del Pueblo: Carlos Adames “El Caballo Bronco”
- Ambassador of Community Empowerment: Isidro Medina
- Ambassador of Business Excellence: Orlando Montan
- Ambassador of Health Services: Sandra Harris, LMSW, MS
- Ambassador of Essential Services: Wilson Aramboles
- Ambassador of Health: Dr. Tania Lopez Pichardo
- Ambassador of Engineering: Cristian Liriano
- Ambassador of Public Safety: Luis Martinez
- Ambassador of Justice & Equity: Julia Mejia
- Excellence in Diversity Equity and Inclusion: Karina Cabrera Bell
- Excellence in Health Empowerment: Dr. Ana Cepin
- Ambassador of Media: Rosarina Breton
- Media Ambassador: Gary Merson
- Media Ambassador: Esperanza Ceballos
- Bronx Borough Adopted Dominican Honoree: Dr. Philip Ozuah
- Bronx Borough Dominican Honoree: Miguelina Camilo
- Queens Borough Adopted Dominican Honoree: Horace Davis
- Manhattan Borough Adopted Dominican Honoree: Chris McDonnell
- Brooklyn Borough Dominican Honoree: Gerardo Ulloa
- Brooklyn Borough Adopted Dominican Honoree: Brianna Suggs
- Queens Borough Dominican Honoree: Sandra Munoz
- Manhattan Borough Adopted Dominican Honoree: Vincent G. Boudreau
In addition to the honorees, the National Dominican Day Parade is proud to announce its esteemed sponsors for the 2023 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 2023 Dominican Day Parade include:
- Champion Sponsor: Coca Cola/Liberty Coke
- Champion Sponsor: Consulado Dominicano
- Champion Sponsor: Goya
- Champion Sponsor: Montefiore – Einstein
- Champion Sponsor: NYC Health + Hospitals
- Champion Sponsor: TWU
- Media Champion: ABC
- Media Champion: Telemundo/NBC
- Media Champion: Univision
- Media Partner: Pix11
- Partner: 1199SEIU
- Partner: Acacia
- Partner: Catholic Charities
- Partner: Corona
- Partner: Presidente
- Partner: NYC Health + Hospitals/Facilities
- Partner: Tito’s Handmade Vodka
- Supporter: Cantu
- Supporter: Affinity by Molina
- Supporter: CUNY
- Supporter: Metroplus
- Associate: Accenture
- Associate: Crothall Healthcare
- Associate: Emblemhealth
- Associate: Liriano & Associates
- Associate: Columbia EDU
- Associate: NSA
- Associate: Papi Wines
- Associate: M&T Bank
- Business Friend: Banda Real
- Business Friend: Cafe Dominicano
- Business Friend: Cafe La LLave
- Business Friend: CIBAO
- Business Friend: Door Dash
- Business Friend: Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers
- Business Friend: SbH
- Business Friend: Puerto Plata Seafood
- Business Friend: Ponce Bank
- Business Friend: WMI Facilitator Technologies
- Business Friend: WHBI
- Business Friend: VIX Magazine
- Media Friend: TV Quisqueya
- Media Friend: Canal America
- Media Friend: Telemicro
- Media Friend: QTv
- Media Friend: Super Canal
- Media Friend: Opción.tv
- Media Friend: Canal Dominicana
«We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our esteemed honorees and sponsors for their continued support of the National Dominican Day Parade. The sponsorship list is still in formation. Their contributions and dedication are instrumental in preserving and celebrating our rich Dominican heritage. We look forward to a spectacular parade and a memorable celebration of ‘Our History, Our People,’” said Cristina Contreras, BOD Chair of the National Dominican Day Parade. The National Dominican Day Parade will take place on Sunday, August 13th, showcasing the vibrant culture, music, dance, and traditions of the Dominican Republic.
“Each year during the National Dominican Day Parade, we honor our ancestors, our independence, our culture, and most importantly – our people,” said Congressman Adriano Espaillat (NY-13). “I am honored to join Cristina Contreras, Chair of the National Day Dominican Parade, and others today to kick off this year’s annual event in New York City. Congratulations to each of this year’s distinguished honorees, including this year’s Grand Marshal, the Honorable Luis Abinader, President of the Dominican Republic, and others for their significant and notable contributions throughout the Dominican diaspora. Dominicans are the fifth-largest population of Latinos living in the United States, accounting for over 4% of the U.S. Latino population, and this annual event reaffirms what it means to be Dominican in New York City united in love for our country and honoring the ideals of the Dominican nation that our ancestors fought for.”
«Celebration the QUISQUEYANOS at this moment, when the President Luís Abinader, the State and the City of NY celebrate with us the National Dominican Day Parade, is an immense pleasure for all of us who proudly shout to the world, I AM DOMINICAN! As Consul General of our country in New York City, I invite the Dominican community to join as an ambassador of greatness to be bearers of a legacy that prides our essence. This 41st Anniversary of the Dominican Day Parade, to be held on August 13 of this year, would take place throughout the length and width of Sixth Avenue, Avenue of the Americas), from 37 to 52 street. The Dominican Republic lives in our hearts! We are waiting for you all!,» said Consul General Eligio Jáquez.
A special thank you to the Borough Presidents for their unwavering support of the National Dominican Day Parade and our Dominican Community:
- Vanessa L. Gibson – Bronx Borough President
- Donavan Richards Jr. – Queens Borough President
- Antonio Reynoso – Brooklyn Borough President
- Mark Levine – Manhattan Borough President
Upcoming NatDDP Activities:
- Brooklyn Borough President Celebration – Thursday, July 27th
- 2023 GOYA Food Drive – Wednesday, August 9th
- Manhattan Borough President Celebration – Thursday, August 3rd
- 2023 Awards Gala – Friday, August 11th – 8:00 PM – 12:00 AM: Present honorees, celebrities, and dinner, dancing and open bar (Tickets available at www.NatDDP.org)
- 2023 Dominican Day Parade – Sunday, August 13th – 12:00 PM -3:30 PM with on-stage presentations and en-route exhibitions of our Dominicanidad on the 6th Avenue, Ave. of the Americas.
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.