Dominicans celebrate culture and progress in rainy Philadelphia

Mother Nature wasn’t very accommodating , as it was a very wet Sunday in Philadelphia. But that didn’t dampen the spirits of those who came out to celebrate Dominican culture and identity in the metropolis.  Read in Spanish

They celebrated at the 2018 Dominican Parade , starting on North Sixth Street near Lehigh Avenue, followed by a food and music festival at Lighthouse Field on Erie Avenue, featuring dembow, salsa, merengue típico, and bachata musicians.

Organizers said the sometimes torrential rain affected the event’s estimated attendance at around 200. It was the third consecutive year the festival was drenched, according to José Joaquín Matos, an advisor to the organizing committee for the 18th Dominican parade and festival in Philadelphia.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, nearly 22,000 Dominicans live in the city . Outside of the city, there are high concentrations of Dominicans in Reading, Allentown, and Lancaster. A 2015 study by the Center for Dominican Studies at the City University of New York determined that Pennsylvania has the third- largest concentration of Dominicans outside the island.

We asked festival and parade attendees: How are Dominicans shaping Philadelphia?

“Dominicans immigrated to Philadelphia and are progressing as a community, without needing government funding. Now there are also Dominicans born in the United States and with professional training.”

Danilo Burgos, Representative-elect to the Pennsylvania State House of Representatives for District 197.

“The festival and parade are examples of cross-cultural experiences, as Dominicans of American, Guatemalan, Mexican, and Puerto Rican descent learn about their roots and heritage here in Philadelphia.”

Elizabeth Sánchez, director of the Miss Dominican Republic 2018 beauty pageant.

“Dominicans are thriving in commercial businesses in Philadelphia, and are now involved in home buying.”

Geovanny Hernández, sponsor of the 2018 Dominican Festival and administrative technician at the Philadelphia County Sheriff’s Office and Police Department.

“The Dominican population in the state is the third largest outside the island, and the state must support it so the community can get involved and have a voice at the federal level.”

Jordan Harris, in the Pennsylvania State House for District 186.

“The Dominican and Puerto Rican communities have always worked side by side, and this is an example that communities that work together can change and progress.”

Enid Colón D’Cleto, Godmother of the 2018 Dominican Festival and Puerto Rican consultant for Miss United States Pennsylvania.

Pictured, from left to right, are: Jordan Harris, Danilo Burgos, David Oh, Martin Haynes Sr., Enerolina Meléndez and Miguel Peralta.