[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 118 (Thursday, September 28, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1627]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             TRIBUTE TO THE HISPANIC PARADE COMMITTEE, INC.

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOSE E. SERRANO

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 28, 2000

  Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, it is with great joy that I today pay 
tribute to the Hispanic Parade Committee, Inc. on its 36th Grand 
Parade. The parade will be held on October 8, 2000, in New York City.
  In 1965 the Hispanic Societies met in New York for the purpose of 
celebrating the discovery of America by Christopher Columbus on October 
12, 1492. This was to be accomplished through a parade, which would 
celebrate the heritage and spirit of the children of the Hispanic 
American union with a message from Spain and the Latin American 
nations, representing each country's culture, traditions and folklore.
  Mr. Speaker, this project came to fruition in August of 1965 when the 
Hispanic Societies agreed to celebrate with a true Fiesta in the Latin 
American spirit that every year in the city of New York on the Sunday 
closest to the 12th of October. From that year on, the Hispanic Parade 
Committee has organized the memorable annual event now known as 
``Desfile de la Hispanidad'' with the participation of Spain and all 
Hispanic American nations, to commemorate and celebrate Hispanic 
culture, races, language, religion, and traditions through colorful 
presentations of each country's costumes, folklore, and music, marching 
up Fifth Avenue from 44th Street to 72nd Street.
  The Hispanic Parade Committee is made up of 50 organizations and a 
board of 27 representatives who spend a whole year preparing and 
organizing this complex multinational public event, with numerous 
cultural and entertainment activities. Among the many activities are 
the Spring Dance in honor of the reigning Queen of the Parade and her 
Court of Honor; the Salute to the Americas, which are series of 
conferences and lectures given by important authorities of the Hispanic 
world; the Art Exhibits where Latin American artists are invited to 
exhibit their art; the Sports Championships, which include soccer and 
softball competitions; the election of the Queen of the Hispanic 
Parade; a Catholic Mass of the Hispanic Parade, which is celebrated in 
St. Patrick's Cathedral and dedicated to a Patron Saint of a 
participating country; and the Great Gala Banquet to celebrate and 
recognize outstanding individuals of the Hispanic world.
  The Hispanic Parade Committee has been growing every year. Fifty 
organizations belonging to the twenty-one Hispanic-American countries 
are now affiliated in the Parade, there will be a band, 40 allegorical 
carriages, and 30 folkloric groups representing these organizations.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I ask my colleagues to join 
me in recognizing the Hispanic Parade Committee, Inc. and in wishing 
them continued success on October 8 and in the future.

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