The heat did not stop Dominican pride in Midtown on Sunday.
The floats, costumes, and bands were out in full force on 6th Ave. for the 35th annual Dominican Day Parade.
The parade ran along 6th Avenue, starting at West 36th Street and ending at West 52nd Street.
This year's theme was "Honoring and Empowering the Dominican Woman."
Organizers said they wanted to recognize the role women played in the country's history and address the inequality they feel exists for Dominican women living in the city today.
"Dominican women typically have the lowest paid jobs, yet work the hardest in the city," said Angela Fernandez, the chairwoman of the parade. "We are the motor of the city, but we're not at the steering wheel, and that's what this parade is about."
The event was not just about celebrating Dominican culture; it was also about giving back, with the parade's sponsors raising money for scholarships for young Dominicans and giving economic support to Dominican neighborhoods.
Organizers also wanted to stress the importance of introducing the island's youngest descendants to their rich cultural past.
"When you teach kids about their culture, they understand who they are and they can be proud of themselves," one parade attendee said.
"I think it's important to know where you come from, like your background," said another.
"Being Dominican means like feeling really happy and feeling really excited," said a seven-year-old who watched the festivities.
One of the island's most popular performers, Grammy-award winning singer Juan Luis Guerra, served as the parade's grand marshal.
Mayor Bill de Blasio and City Council Speak Melissa Mark-Viverito were among the lawmakers that marched in the parade.