Photo by Paul Stein
This year’s Dominican Day Parade is coming up fast. While you might think that Sunday’s parade won’t be any different from years past, you’ll be surprised to find that this year’s desfile is looking better than ever, with an all-new board, a stacked lineup of honorees and guests, and an extra hour of parade in store. By now, your preparations should be well under way. But in the event that you haven’t begun the necessary prep, we’ve got your back with this easy eight-step guide.
Remember that “Put a Bird on It” skit from Portlandia? Follow those guidelines, except replace the word “bird” with “flag.” Got a tote bag? Put a flag on it. Got a flag? Put another flag on it. Basically, if you don’t have a flag to wave around, don’t show your face at this shit.
The Dominican Day Parade is the time of year when alllll the tigueres and tigueronas come out of the woodwork, and everybody is doing the most with the alphets. Your attire should preferably include one or all of the following: Dominican flag durags/head wraps, comfortable shoes, this snap back, a pair of pum pum shorts (for the ladieeeees). At some point, 60 percent of the men will take their shirts off.
Arguably the best part of the day is seeing people drive around the city in cars covered in flags blasting the loudest típico ever. This starts early as balls in the morning and continues alllll night, and you don’t want to be playing the same four songs. We’ve done a little legwork for you, and put together your very necessary playlist here.
Ain’t nobody got time to stop somewhere to smoke hookah, there’s marching to do. The hookah has got to be on-the-go. Make sure you have the necessary sabores.
https://instagram.com/p/5pOYlpDZgL/
Because pics or it didn’t happen.
It’s going to be a looooong day and you’re going to need a plato fuerte to get you through it. Our recommendations for where to grub: El Típico Bonao, La Casa del Mofongo, Lulo Restaurant, or Elsa La Reina del Chicharrón.
I want to say you should have Brugal or some other kind of rum, but let’s be real — everyone will probably be drinking Henny and Rosé. Or nutcrackers.
After the parade is over, there’s really only one place to go to keep the night going. This is that place. Que la Virgen de la Altagracia les proteja.