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Every August, the Annual Dominican Day Parade is held to commemorate the anniversary of the beginning of the war for the restoration of Dominican independence from Spain on August 16, 1863. New York is home to more than 400,000 Dominican immigrants, many of whom have settled in Washington Heights/Inwood, Corona, Cypress Hill and other parts of the City.
On August 8, 2007, Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg hosted a reception in honor of the rich cultural heritage and contributions of the Dominican community in New York City. This year's celebration at Gracie Mansion included five honorees: Queen of Merengue Millie Quezada, Salsa legend Jose Alberto "el Canario," Jazz musician Michel Camilo, Swimmer Marcos Diaz and Dominican Parade Grand Marshall and founder of Alvarez Tax Franchise Rafael Alvarez. The Mayor presented each honoree with a crystal apple in recognition of their exemplary achievements in music, sports and business. Joining the Mayor in this celebration were Immigrant Affairs Commissioner Guillermo Linares, Department of Youth and Community Development Commissioner Jeanne Mullgrav, Mayor of the City of Villa Monte Llano Graciela Fermin Nuesi, actor Manny Perez, Council General of the Dominican Republic Eduardo Selman and Dominican Parade President Nelson Peña.
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Caribbean Cultural Center - African Cultural Arts center