The 42nd National Dominican Day Parade took place in Midtown Manhattan, celebrating Dominican culture with a focus on merengue music, which is an essential aspect of the Dominican identity. Thousands of attendees lined Sixth Avenue to cheer for the colorful floats and dancers, showcasing the contributions of the Dominican community to New York City. New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced a $12.5 million investment for the nation’s first cultural center dedicated to Dominicans, emphasizing the importance of celebrating culture and heritage. Mayor Eric Adams highlighted the vital role Dominicans play in the city's diversity, with over 700,000 residents of Dominican descent. The parade serves as a significant event for Dominican-Americans, linking them to their roots and fostering community spirit. This year's theme, 'Merengue: Nuestro Ritmo,' acknowledges the genre's historical significance and its role in uniting people through joy and resilience.