Record-Breaking Dominican Day at International Plaza Draws Over 3,000 Visitors — A Vibrant Celebration of Culture and Diversity, Incident-Free
On Sunday, August 10, the local Dominican community gathered to celebrate the 4th Annual Dominican Day at the International Plaza, part of the ongoing Market Days series. This vibrant, family-friendly event highlighted the Dominican community’s rich cultural presence and contributions to the region. With over 3,000 attendees, it became the most attended event ever held at the International Plaza. The celebration created a joyful and energetic atmosphere, filled with culture, music, traditional flavors, and strong community spirit.
The program came to life with traditional Dominican dances, colorful carnival characters, and live performances by the local tropical band Banda Light and the internationally acclaimed merengue group Zulinka y Miguel, Los Hijos de Ruby Pérez y su Orquesta. The energy was amplified by outstanding local DJs and hosts who kept the crowd engaged and dancing throughout the day.
Mayor Malik Evans of the City of Rochester and Josie McClary, Monroe County’s Chief Community Engagement Officer, presented a joint proclamation on behalf of the City and County. Additional honors included a Día Dominicano Proclamation from Monroe County Legislature President Yversha Roman, and a special legacy recognition to legendary merengue artist Rubby Pérez, presented by Rochester City Council President Miguel Meléndez.
This year’s event also spotlighted the entrepreneurial contributions of Dominican women in the beauty salon industry. A featured video showcased interviews with pioneering stylists and emerging “saloneras” who have played a critical role in the community’s economic development.
Special participations included The Rochester Latino Theatre Company, who contributed through cultural engagement and children’s activities, as well as performances by Grupo Cultural Latinos en Rochester, Los del Mambo, and Smile Dance and Connect, which brought dynamic artistic expression to the celebration.
The event also provided a strong economic boost to local entrepreneurs, with nearly all of the eight on-site vendors at the Plaza selling out and nearby businesses also benefiting from increased foot traffic and community engagement. This level of participation and success would not have been possible without the generous support of ESL Federal Credit Union, recognized as the main sponsor of both Market Days and Dominican Day. Their investment not only elevated the event experience, but also reinforced the importance of community-driven commerce and cultural celebration.
The Dominican Day Committee—a dedicated group of volunteers who partner with the International Plaza to bring this event to life—extends its sincere thanks to the Market Days team and all Dominican Day sponsors for their generous support in making this celebration possible.
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About Dominican Day
Dominican Day is a colorful and vibrant, free public event that celebrates the rich cultural diversity of the Greater Rochester area. It’s a community-driven, family-friendly celebration filled with music, dance, cultural showcases, delicious cuisine, live entertainment, games, special recognitions, and more. Through storytelling, visuals, and expressions of heritage, the event honors the entrepreneurial spirit, creativity, and social and economic contributions of the Dominican community to the region.
In partnership with the International Plaza and as part of the Market Days season since 2022, the event provides profitable opportunities for small businesses and entrepreneurs to join the event at a low cost. It also allows the general public to access resources and experience a unique proposal with joy and tolerance at no cost. Games and prizes are available to all visitors.
For entertainment, a local band always leads the live music presentations, new local talents and recognitions are included in the program, and a special guest artist - national, from NYC or international- is the closing act of the event.
DD embraces and acknowledge the economic and social contributions of this valuable population and their interactions with other groups in the area, providing a safe space to foster connections and strengthen interactions.
Links:
IG / FB: @diadominicanoroc
https://www.instagram.com/diadominicanoroc/
For additional information on Dominican Day, please connect with Jessica Del Valle vía email at Jessica.delvalle@iaal.org or with the International Plaza site manager Jason Barber at Jbarber@iberodevelopment.org