The 34th Annual Dominican Day Parade stepped off in Manhattan Sunday. NY1’s Tara Lynn Wagner has the story.

"We're proud. We're proud Dominicans. We love our country all the way," said a woman among the multitude of people who lined Sixth Avenue at the Dominican Day Parade on Sunday, where music and dancing filled the street.

"All the live music, it's amazing. You don’t get it anywhere, and it comes once a year," said one onlooker.

"The music, dancing, the people, the laughter of the people, everything," said another, who came into Manhattan from the Bronx for the event.

Colorful costumes glistened in the sun, shining a light on the culture of an island nation that has a big presence in the city. 

"It's nice to see all the Dominicans that are in New York City. It's a lot, it's really a lot," said one woman in the crowd.

"Dominicans in the U.S. have arrived. We are leaders in multiple sectors. We are leaders in unions. We are leaders in the business sector. We are leaders in athletics, in the arts, in culture, and we are going to show that in full display," said Dominican Day Parade Board Chair Angela Fernandez.

That display included some famous Dominican faces, like actress Jessica Pimentel from the Netflix series "Orange is the New Black."

"The fact how my family came here and just pushed their way to get everything they have now, that work ethic, that honor, that pride is what makes me proud," the actress said.

But perhaps first in the lineup of people that make Dominicans proud: this year's Grand Marshall and baseball Hall of Famer Pedro Martinez. 

"I’m super excited. I heard Pedro Martinez is coming. I’m a huge baseball fan, so when I found out he was coming, I jumped on it," one onlooker said.   

"Oh, yes, yes. I came here for him, especially for him," said one woman when asked if she was excited to see Martinez.

Organizers say this year's parade is the biggest yet, with 7,500 participants, including over 700 young people. The hope is that by introducing to them to the heritage early, their pride and interest will grow for years to come.

"They need to know their roots and where they come from, so this is a nice way for them to know their culture," said one onlooker. "It's about happiness within. We just take everything with ease, and we are nice to everybody, so just happy people!"

While many wore flags to show their national pride, they say it's what's inside that makes them truly Dominican.