The 42nd annual National Dominican Day Parade, which draws thousands of people to Manhattan each year to celebrate the culture of the Dominican Republic and its diaspora in New York and beyond, will take place this Sunday.

Dominican Day Parade.Photo byUptown Collective From Flickr

This year's theme focuses on merengue music and dancing, which have long been an integral part of Dominican culture and identity. According to CUNY's Dominican Studies Institute, the New York metro area has over 1 million Dominican Americans, making it the "hub of the Dominican population in the U.S."

Contreras went on to say that the long-standing procession provides a way for Dominican Americans, particularly young people, to connect with Dominican traditions.

The Dominican Day Parade

Here's everything you need to know about the parade, including when and where it'll take place, who will be there, and which streets will be closed.

The procession takes place along Sixth Avenue in Midtown Manhattan, between 36th and 55th streets.

Participants will assemble in three locations along the route: Sixth Avenue between 37th and 38th streets, 36th Street between Broadway and Fifth Avenue, and 37th and 38th streets between Fifth and Seventh avenues.

The Parade's Grand Marshals

Merengue Band Los Hermanos Rosario are the parade's grand marshals, while actor and media figure Jochy Santos will be honored as "king," according to organizers.

Elected representatives from various levels of government attend the procession each year. Amanda Septimo, a New York state Assemblymember who represents sections of the South Bronx, is expected to join women's rights advocates in opposing the Dominican Republic's criminalization of abortion, which is set to be upheld in the penal code.