August 11th, saw the 42nd Dominican Day Parade in New York City. The Parade dates back to 1982 and is held annually on the second Sunday in August. The parade started as a community event in the 1960s and initially celebrated Dominican Independance from Haiti, on February 27th. The Dominican Day Parade started as a smaller event in Washington Heights, but due to its popularity and size, started to be held in Midtown Manhattan in the 1990s.
The Dominican Day Parade is one of many of the large parades held in NYC. What are the largest attended parades in NYC and what are some of the best places to get the best view?
1.Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade:
- Date: Thanksgiving Day (the 4th Thursday in November)
- Description: Perhaps the most famous parade in the United States. Featured are giant character balloons, elaborate floats, marching bands, and performances by Broadway shows. Millions of people attend the parade in person, and it is also watched by millions more on television.
Best Viewing Spots: Central Park West from 59th to 75th Streets, particularly on the west side of the street. This area provides a great view of the floats as they turn onto Central Park West and head south. Arrive early (around 6 AM) to secure a good spot.
- Tips: Avoid the area around Herald Square (34th Street), where the performances are filmed, as it gets extremely crowded and access is often restricted.
2.New York City Pride March:
- Date: Last Sunday in June
- Description: As one of the largest LGBTQ+ pride parades in the world, the NYC Pride March attracts huge crowds. The event is both a celebration and a demonstration, with floats, music, and participants from various organizations. It commemorates the Stonewall Riots of 1969, a pivotal moment in the LGBTQ+ rights movement.
Best Viewing Spots: Fifth Avenue in the Flatiron District (23rd to 14th Streets) offers a lively atmosphere with plenty of space. Christopher Street near the Stonewall Inn is also a popular spot for its historical significance, though it gets very crowded.
Tips: Arrive a couple of hours early for a good spot, especially near iconic locations.
3.West Indian Day Parade (Labor Day Parade):
- Date: Labor Day (the 1st Monday in September)
- Description: This parade celebrates Caribbean culture and is one of the most vibrant and colorful parades in NYC. Held in Brooklyn, it features elaborate costumes, steel drum music, and Caribbean cuisine. The parade draws around 1-2 million people every year.
Best Viewing Spots: Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn, especially around Grand Army Plaza. The stretch between Franklin and Utica Avenues offers a good view of the parade and access to food vendors.
Tips: Get there early and enjoy the festivities, including the music and food that are integral to the experience.
4.St. Patrick's Day Parade:
- Date: March 17th (or the closest weekday if it falls on a weekend)
- Description: A hallmark of New York City, the St. Patrick's Day Parade was first held on March 17th, 1762 and is the oldest and one of the largest St. Patrick's Day parades in the world. It features marching bands, bagpipes, and Irish cultural organizations. The parade attracts large crowds, especially from the Irish-American community.
Best Viewing Spots: Fifth Avenue between 44th and 79th Streets. St. Patrick’s Cathedral (around 50th Street) is an iconic spot to watch, though it gets very crowded. For a less crowded experience, head further uptown around the Metropolitan Museum of Art at 82nd Street.
Tips: Arrive early, especially around the Cathedral, and be prepared for a long parade.
5.Halloween Parade:
- Date: October 31st
- Description: The Village Halloween Parade, held in Greenwich Village, is known for its creativity and community participation. Costumed participants, puppets, and various performances make it one of the most unique parades in the city. It draws a large, enthusiastic crowd each year.
Best Viewing Spots: Sixth Avenue in Greenwich Village, particularly between Spring and 14th Streets. The further south you go, the less crowded it tends to be.
Tips: This parade is popular for its costumes, so pick a spot with a good view of the participants, and arrive early in the evening.
6.Puerto Rican Day Parade:
- Date: 2nd Sunday in June
- Description: This parade celebrates Puerto Rican culture and heritage. It features music, floats, and traditional Puerto Rican attire. The parade runs along Fifth Avenue and attracts over a million spectators annually.
Best Viewing Spots: Fifth Avenue between 44th and 79th Streets. The area around the Metropolitan Museum of Art (at 82nd Street) is less crowded and offers a good view of the parade.
Tips: Expect large crowds and arrive early for a prime viewing location.
Dominican Day Parade
- Best Viewing Spots: Sixth Avenue between 36th and 52nd Streets in Manhattan. This stretch offers good visibility and is centrally located.
- Tips: Arrive early for a good spot, especially closer to 52nd Street for a more festive atmosphere.
There are anywhere from 200-250 parades held in NYC every year across the 5 boroughs and are a great way to experience the sites and sounds of New York City, no matter if you are just visiting the city or are a long time resident.
Enjoy!