08/09/2026
As the CITY OF PROVIDENCE KICKed OFF 10-DAY CELEBRATION OF DOMINICAN CULTURE AND HERITAGE
Flag Raising Ceremony at City Hall Launched a Historic Series of Events Honoring Rhode Island’s Dominican Diaspora
PROVIDENCE, RI — The Providence City Council led the DR flag Raising event, led by President Pro Tempore Juan M. Pichardo, Majority Leader Pedro J. Espinal, and Councilwoman Ana Vargas, hosted the official Dominican Republic Flag Raising & Reception on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at 12:30 p.m. at Providence City Hall (25 Dorrance Street).
This traditional ceremony officially launches 10 days of community, civic, and cultural events dedicated to honoring the vibrant history, contributions, and heritage of the Dominican diaspora in Providence and across Rhode Island. (La ceremonia de izado de la bandera da inicio a diez días de eventos para celebrar la cultura y el patrimonio de la diáspora dominicana en Providence.)
> "Our Dominican community is an integral part of the cultural and economic fabric of Providence, and RI. This 10-day celebration reflects our rich history, our leadership, and our shared pride," stated the hosting Council members in a joint release.
UPCOMING HERITAGE EVENTS & HIGHLIGHTS
* Wednesday, August 5 | 12:30 PM — Dominican Republic Flag Raising & Reception
* Hosts: President Pro Tempore Juan M. Pichardo, Majority Leader Pedro J. Espinal, and Councilwoman Ana Vargas.
* Location: Providence City Hall, 25 Dorrance Street.
* Sunday, August 9 | 8:30 AM – 10:00 AM — 2026 Dominican Parade Breakfast
* Hosts: Lt. Governor Sabina Matos and Quisqueya en Acción.
* Details: Community leaders, state/local elected officials, and special guests gather to celebrate the Dominican-American community in Rhode Island.
* Location: ALMA Center, 1017 Broad Street, Providence.
* Sunday, August 9 | Dominican Festival & Parade
* Organizer: Quisqueya en Acción.
* Location: Broad St. / Juan Pablo Duarte Blvd.
* Friday, August 14 | 2:30 PM — Official License Plate Signing Ceremony
* Details: Governor Dan McKee will officially sign into law the RI Dominican Heritage Commemorative License Plate Law—establishing a permanent symbol of history, culture, and pride. Hosted by DIHACRI.
* Location: Juan Pablo Duarte Monument (Roger Williams Park, Broad St. Entrance).
* Sunday, August 16 — Flower Offering to Juan Pablo Duarte
* Presenters: Nueva Generación Duartiana, DIHACRI, and the Greater Quisqueyana Community.
* Location: Roger Williams Park.
HONORING OUR LEGACY
Throughout the 10-day celebration, event organizers will pay homage to the Founding Fathers (Los Padres de la Patria) of the Dominican Republic:
* Juan Pablo Duarte
* Francisco del Rosario Sánchez
* Matías Ramón Mella
Special recognition is also extended to Rhode Island’s historic Dominican organizations that have built the community's foundation over the decades:
*Quisqueya en Action
* Dominican American Association of RI
* Juan Pablo Duarte Social Club
* Hispanic United Development Organization
Members of the public, community partners, and media outlets are cordially invited to attend all scheduled events.
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