[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 96 (Friday, July 17, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1327-E1328]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 TRIBUTE TO THE EIGHTH GREAT DOMINICAN PARADE AND CARNIVAL OF THE BRONX

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOSE E. SERRANO

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 16, 1998

  Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, once again it is an honor for me to 
recognize the Great Dominican Parade and Festival of the Bronx on its 
eighth year of celebrating Dominican culture in my South Bronx 
Congressional District.
  Under its Founder and President, Felipe Febles, the parade has grown 
in size and splendor. It now brings together an increasing number of 
participants from all five New York City boroughs and beyond.
  On Sunday, July 19, thousands of members and friends of the Dominican 
community will march from Mt. Eden and 172nd Street to East 161st 
Street and the Grand Concourse in honor of Juan Pablo Duarte, the 
father of the independence of the Dominican Republic.
  As one who has participated in the parade in the past, I can attest 
that the excitement it generates brings the entire City together. It is 
a celebration and an affirmation of life. It feels wonderful to enable 
so many people to have this experience--one that will change the lives 
of many of them. It is an honor for me to join once again the hundreds 
of joyful people who will march from Mt. Eden and 172nd Street to East 
161st Street, and to savor the variety of their celebrations. There's 
no better way to see our Bronx community.
  The event will feature a wide variety of entertainment for all age 
groups. This year's festival includes the performance of Merengue and 
Salsa bands, crafts exhibitions, and food typical of the Dominican 
Republic.
  In addition to the parade, President Febles and many organizers have 
provided the community with nearly two weeks of activities to 
commemorate the contributions of the Dominican community, its culture 
and history.

[[Page E1328]]

  Mr. Speaker, it is with enthusiasm that I ask my colleagues to join 
me in paying tribute to this wonderful celebration of Dominican 
culture, which has brought much pride to the Bronx community.

                          ____________________