BY: Liliana Rocio, Senior Editor for World Liberty TV, @ 37th St & 6th NYC, Sun Aug 09 2026

The National Dominican Day Parade returned to New York City on Sunday. The event is expected to draw 400,000 spectators.

This is the 44th year for the city’s National Dominican Day Parade. It starts forming at 8 a.m. and steps off at 11 a.m.

The theme this year is “Dominicanos: Identidad y Cultura,” which translates to “Dominicans: Identity and Culture.”

Organizers say the parade will “pay tribute to the legacy of the Dominican Republic and the deep cultural, social, and community ties that unite the Dominican people with the United States.”

The grand marshal of this year’s parade is Dr. Ramon Tallaj, founder of the Somos Community Care healthcare network.

“As we all know, the Dominican Day Parade is one of the largest parades in our city, and it is one of the most joyful days of the year,” Mayor Zohran Mamdani said at a news briefing.

“There is nothing quite like the sound of bachata, the aroma of sancocho as it fills our city streets, the joy of New Yorkers coming together to celebrate a heritage that is so integral to our city’s history.”

This year’s theme is “Identity and Culture,” and several prominent Dominican figures will be recognized. The parade’s stars feature Shino Aguakate and Lizbel Ortiz, and the king of the parade will be media personality and radio host Frederick Martínez (El Pachá).

This year’s Grand Marshal will be Dr. Ramon Tallaj of SOMOS Community Care, and a legacy award will be given to Goya Foods.

This year’s theme, “Identidad y Cultura,” honors the vibrant legacy of the Dominican Republic and its deep cultural and civic ties with the United States.

The Parade and its Gala continue to highlight individuals who embody excellence across public service, media, arts, technology, labor, and community advocacy.

Honorees were celebrated during the Benefit Gala on August 7 and featured in the 44th Annual Parade on August 9 along 6th Avenue in Manhattan.

2026 Honorees included: GOYA: Legacy Award – Recognized as the 2026 Legacy Award honoree, celebrating outstanding corporate partnership, community distribution support, and lasting dedication to Dominican heritage and culture. Ramon Tallaj, M.D.: Grand Marshal – M.D., Founder, and Chairman of SOMOS Community Care, a nonprofit physician-led network serving over one million underserved beneficiaries across New York City.  Frederick Martínez (El Pachá): El Rey del Desfile – Renowned radio host and television personality (Locutor at La Mega), celebrated for his long-standing career and energetic presence in Hispanic media. José Alberto (El Canario): The Parade Godfather. José Alberto “El Canario,” recognized worldwide as “The Showman of Salsa,” is a Dominican superstar and four-time Latin Grammy winner with a five-decade career marked by his exceptional voice and dynamic stage presence.

Anthony Peña: Bronx Borough Dominican – Excellence in Community Empowerment: Visionary leader, community-centered entrepreneur, and current National President of the National Supermarket Association (NSA). Honorable Wanda Negron: Bronx Borough Adopted Dominican – Excellence in Legal Justice: Acting Justice of the Supreme Court, Bronx County (Civil Term), dedicated to serving her community with distinction, fairness, and equal justice from the bench.

Edwin Guzmán: Bronx Borough Dominican – Excellence in Culinary Services: Hardworking culinary professional and entrepreneur from the Bronx, committed to uplifting his community and preserving traditional flavors.Belkis Lora: Bronx Borough Dominican – Excellence in Community Engagement: Dedicated community advocate who immigrated from the Dominican Republic in 1989, spending decades building networks to empower and unite local families.

Monsignor Kevin Sullivan: Manhattan Borough Adopted Dominican – Excellence in Philanthropy: Served as the Executive Director of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York from 2001 to 2025, leading vital human service efforts. Michelle Lewis: NatDDP Adopted Dominican – Excellence in Health Services: Visionary healthcare executive shaping the future of healthcare delivery as CEO of Gotham Health, a key division of NYC Health + Hospitals.

Yoselin Genao-Estrella: Ambassador of Community Empowerment: Distinguished nonprofit executive, housing advocate, and community development leader with over two decades of experience organizing for social justice. Dinorah Claudio: Ambassador of Public Safety: Seasoned Emergency Medical Services leader serving as Division Commander for FDNY-EMS in Brooklyn, New York, with over 36 years of lifesaving public service.

Sydney Valerio: Ambassador in Creative Arts: New York City-born writer, educator, and ultra-creative artist dedicated to highlighting identity, empowerment, and Dominican cultural narratives.Roberto Rojas: Cacique de la Esperanza: Widely known as “El Humilde Rojas,” a prominent entrepreneur, community leader, and philanthropist committed to supporting educational and social development programs.

Aydee Trimino: Ambassador of Public Health: Compassionate community health leader dedicated to expanding clinical outreach, mental health awareness, and medical access for immigrant communities.  Ho Chi Domínguez (Jochy Jochy): Embajador de la Alegría: Renowned Dominican comedian and communicator with a successful 30-year career bringing joy, humor, and cultural representation across international media platforms.

Tiaris Cabrera: Embajadora de Comunicación: Accomplished journalist and media professional based in New York City, recognized for her unwavering commitment to community-focused broadcasting.  Natalie Ramones: Ambassador of Entrepreneurship: Queens-born business professional and proud community leader celebrating her Dominican roots and fostering local economic growth.

Lizbel Ortiz: Ambassador of Youth Empowerment: Passionate advocate, digital content creator, and mentor focused on building career pipelines and resource networks for the next generation. Kelvin A. Morel (KAM): Ambassador of Visual Arts: Multi-talented visual artist and creator from Guaricano, Santo Domingo, showcasing the strength and beauty of the Dominican diaspora through multimedia design.

Maria Terrero: Embajadores de la Cultura. Co-founder of KumbaCarey Afro-Dominican Music Project. Cultural pillars preserving, promoting, and elevating Dominican folkloric music and traditions for decades.Melkis Diaz: Embajadora de Modas: Renowned fashion designer, entrepreneur, and cultural curator with over 25 years of experience driving the growth and international presence of Dominican fashion design.

Jefferson Cuevas: “La Promesa”. Founder of FETTI NYC, entrepreneur, community advocate, and creates opportunities for the Youth. Marta Garcés Lorenzo (Martha Candela): Embajadora de Inspiración. Soberano-nominated artist Martha Candela revolutionized urban gospel by pioneering viral “mambo cristiano” and her signature phrase, “¡está’ clean!”

Many VIP’S Spoke at the opening press conference and ribbon cutting ceremony, which included: Gov Kathy Hochul, Mayor Mamdani, Attorney General Letitia James. New York City public advocate, jumaane Williams, New York City Council speaker, Julie Menin, many more political leaders in attendance from Santo Domingo.

It was very well attended parade close to half a million people watching parade live and many more millions watching on TV and streaming services, throughout USA and in Santo Domingo.

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