Dominican Day Parade 2017 Guide: Parade Route, Traffic Closures, Tribute To Slain Cop

NEW YORK CITY — The Dominican Day Parade is one of the biggest parties of the year in New York City and a celebration of all things Dominican culture. Of the nearly 1.5 million people of Dominican heritage living in the United States, nearly half (48 percent) live in New York, according to the Pew Research Center. In fact, more Dominicans live in New York City than any other city in the world except Santo Domingo.

This year's parade theme is "Our History to the Rhythm of Guira, Drum, and Accordion," and will include a special tribute to slain NYPD officer Miosotis Familia, who will be honored with the parade's lifetime service award.

Whether you are interested in attending the parade or want to avoid it on Sunday here's your guide to everything you need to know about the Dominican Day Parade this year:

What time does the parade start and end?

This year's celebration will kick of with a special ceremony at 10:30 a.m., according to parade organizers, but the actual parade won't start until noon. The parade is scheduled to last until 5 p.m.

What is the route for this year's parade and will there be street closures?

The parade will be held in Midtown on Sixth Avenue. Marchers will begin on Sixth Avenue at 38th Street and will continue down the avenue until 52nd Street.

The main parade route and several side streets will be closed to traffic for the duration of the parade. Here are the closures as announced by the Department of Transportation.

Formation

• 36th Street between Broadway and 6th Avenue
• 37th Street between Broadway and Madison Avenue
• 38th Street between Broadway and Madison Avenue

Route

• 6th Avenue between 36th Street and 53rd Street

Dispersal

• 52nd Street between 5th Avenue and Broadway

Miscellaneous

• 48th Street between 6th Avenue and 5th Avenue
• 47th Street between 6th Avenue and Broadway
• 46th Street between 6th Avenue and Broadway
• 38th Street between Broadway and 7th Avenue

What's the easiest way to get to the parade?

The easiest way to get to the parade from Washington Heights — the epicenter of New York City's Dominican community — will be by public transportation. Driving is not worth it because too many streets will be closed off near the parade and finding parking in Midtown is basically impossible.

The quickest way to get near the parade route would be to take either the 1 train down to Times Square or the A train to Port Authority and walk from there.

Who will be honored this year?

Every year during the Dominican Day Parade several members of the Dominican community are honored for their contributions to culture and society. This year's grand marshal will be Congressman Adriano Espaillat, who represents upper Manhattan as the first Dominican-born member of Congress in U.S. History and the first one-time undocumented immigrant to become a member of Congress.

Here's a full list of honorees:

• Grand Marshal: Congressman Adriano Espaillat
• Padrino: Don Juan Marichal
• Madrina: Ms. Michelle Jimenez
• Madrina Internacional: Ms. Lissette Nunez
• Award for Lifetime Service (Posthumously): Detective First Grade Miosotis Familia
• Corporate Recognition: Eligio Pena
• Ambassador of Leadership: Mr. Henry Rubio
• Ambassador of Medicine: Dr. Marcos Charles, M.D.
• Ambassador of Public Service: Ms. Diana Reyna
• Ambassador of Justice: Judge Llinet Rosado
• Ambassador of Labor: Edison Severino
• Ambassador of Digital Media: Angel Manuel Del Orbe Cruz
• Ambassador of Youth Development: Mr. Eddie Silverio
• Cacique: Ms. Maria Luna
• Ambassador of Culinary Arts: Enelia Silvestre
• Ambassador in Higher Education: Ana I. Garcia Reyes
• Associate Dean Hostos Community College
• Ambassador of Cosmetology and Aesthetics: Virnalisy Crespo
• Ambassador of Fashion: Martin Polanco
• Rising Star: Marco Antonio Rodriguez
• Ambassador of Health: Dr. Teodoro E. Regus, DDS
• Ambassador of Communication: Ms. Debralee Santos
• Ambassador of Music: Indira Rubiera
• Ambassador of First Responders: Mr. Bernardo “Bernie” Rodriguez
• Ambassador in Business: Yesi Morillo Gual

Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images News/Getty Images