For three hours Northern Boulevard becomes Quito and Guayaquil at once: floats carrying the year's crowned Reina, brass bands, folkloric troupes in Otavalo and coastal dress, and a sidewalk crowd twenty deep in yellow, blue and red. It is the 43rd running and the largest Ecuadorian celebration in the country, anchored in the Queens neighborhood that made it possible. If you only catch one Queens parade this summer, this is the one where the food carts, the crowd and the dancing are as good as th
What to expect
The parade runs along Northern Boulevard through Jackson Heights with floats, marching bands, civic groups and dance companies performing in traditional dress from Ecuador's coast, sierra and Amazon regions. Vendors work the sidewalks with Ecuadorian food and flags, and the crowd along the route is family-heavy and loud in the best way. Side streets stay busy with celebrations before and after.
Good to know
- Take the 7 to 69th St–Fisk Av or the E/F/M/R to Jackson Hts–Roosevelt Av, both a block off the route
- Free and open to everyone; no tickets
- Arrive early to get a curb spot near the step-off end of the route
- Streets along Northern Blvd close, so driving and parking nearby are painful
- Great for families — bring sun protection and water for the midday heat
- Stay after for the restaurants along Roosevelt Av and 37th Av
Get Saturday planned every Thursday
One email a week — the best of the NYC weekend board. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Common questions
Where does the parade run?
Along Northern Boulevard in Jackson Heights, Queens, with the step-off area around 69th Street.
Is it free?
Yes, the parade is free to watch from anywhere along the route.
How big is it?
It is billed as the largest Ecuadorian event in the United States and is now in its 43rd year.
More festivals this weekend
