New Jersey Dominican State Parade to honor Barahona and autism awareness

The 37th annual New Jersey Dominican State Parade is preparing for its upcoming celebration in Paterson, scheduled for September 13, 2026. Elsa Mantilla, president of the parade, announced that this year's edition will honor the province of Barahona.

A significant addition to this year's event is the introduction of a float dedicated to autism and inclusion. This initiative, presented by activist and journalist Karolina Martínez, marks a historical precedent for Dominican parades in the United States. The float will feature social workers and 15 mothers representing families of children on the autism spectrum, aiming to promote empathy, respect, and visibility for the community.

Organizers emphasized that the parade serves as a platform to showcase Dominican identity, traditions, and the socio-economic contributions of the community to New Jersey, while encouraging younger generations to maintain their cultural roots.