[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 63 (Tuesday, May 4, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E843]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 TRIBUTE TO THE GRAN PARADA DOMINICANA DE EL BRONX, INC. ON THEIR 10TH 
                              ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOSE E. SERRANO

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 4, 1999

  Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor for me to pay tribute to a 
great organization, the ``Gran Parada Dominicana de El Bronx, Inc.'' 
which celebrates its tenth anniversary of celebrating Dominican culture 
in my South Bronx Congressional District today, Monday, May 3rd, 1999.
  The Gran Parada Dominicana de El Bronx, Inc. was created on May 3, 
1990. Each year thousands of members and friends of the Dominican 
community march from Mt. Eden and 172nd Street to East 161st Street and 
the Grand Concourse during the annual Great Dominican Parade and 
Carnival of the Bronx. 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.
  Mr. Speaker, 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 always an honor for me to 
join the hundreds of joyful people who march each year and to savor the 
variety of their celebrations. There's no better way to see our Bronx 
community.
  The event usually features a wide variety of entertainment for all 
age groups. Past years' festivals included 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 each 
year provide the community with nearly two weeks of activities to 
commemorate the contributions of the Dominican community, its culture 
and history.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with enthusiasm that I ask my colleagues to join 
me in paying tribute to the Gran Parada Dominicana de El Bronx, Inc. 
and in wishing the Committee continued success.

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