The annual Queens Ecuadorian Independence Parade was held on Sunday, August 7 at 69th Street in Woodside and travelled east into Jackson Heights along Northern Boulevard. Ecuador’s Independence Day is celebrated every year on August 10. On that day in 1809, the citizens of Quito declared their independence from Spain. In Spanish, it is known as Día del Primer Grito de Independencia de Quito, the Day of Quito’s First Cry of Independence. Joining the celebration was the Mushuk Pakary (“new morning” in Quechua) dance troupe, seen here in full Incan regalia. Today’s Ecuadorian capital, Quito, had been the northern capital of the Incan Empire before the Spanish conquest. Ecuadorians are Queens County’s second largest Latino group; and the fifth largest Latino group in New York after Puerto Ricans, Dominicans, Colombians, and Mexicans. Ecuador is named for the equator, which crosses through the country. More photos see page 6.—Annette Hanze Alberts Photo Walter Karling
The annual Queens Ecuadorian Independence Parade was held on Sunday, August 7 at 69th Street in Woodside and travelled east into Jackson Heights along Northern Boulevard.
(L. to r.): Councilman Francisco Moya, Mayor Eric Adams, and Borough President Donovan Richards kick off the parade.
El Padrino: “El Presidente de Queens” Donovan Richards.
Three chaps wearing chaps, dancers from the Raices Cuencanas company.
The dancers from Jatary Muzhucuna pose for a photo. Photos by Walter Karling
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