Franklin Avenue in Crown Heights is Brooklyn's Little Panamá, and once a year it hosts what organisers call the largest Panamanian parade anywhere outside the Republic of Panama. Expect polleras, drum and brass bands and folkloric dancers honoring leaders, educators and artists from the community. If you want a genuine neighborhood parade with outer-borough soul, this is the Saturday morning plan.
What to expect
Expect a morning ceremony followed by a parade of folkloric troupes, marching bands, schools, community groups and elected officials heading up Franklin Avenue toward President Street, with families lining the sidewalks in red, white and blue. Organisers say the day ends with a street festival near Classon Avenue and Eastern Parkway.
Good to know
- The parade forms at Franklin Avenue and Bergen Street; the 2, 3, 4 and 5 stop at Franklin Av and the S shuttle runs along Franklin.
- Organiser listings give both a morning ceremony and a parade step-off, so arrive early.
- Bring cash for food vendors along the route.
- It suits families and all ages.
- The Panamanian committee also marches in the Hispanic Day Parade on Fifth Avenue the next day.
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Common questions
Where does the Panamanian Day Parade start?
At Franklin Avenue and Bergen Street in Crown Heights, Brooklyn.
Who organises it?
The Day of Independence Committee of Panamanians in New York.
