August 26, 2003   Contact: Edward Juarez   (212) 302-2222   (212) 302-7255   iif@10.org

For Immediate Publication
August 26, 2003

Honor Marshal: Jose Feliciano 

What:             The 18^th International Cultures Parade
                     “Cultural Understanding for World  Peace”.
Where:          Madison Avenue, From 42^nd to 26th Streets 
When:            Sunday, September 14^th, 2003 - Starting at 2:30PM 
Who:              American, African, European, Asian, Middle Eastern, Caribbean & 
                       Latino  communities. 

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The first Parade took place in 1986, in commemoration of the Centennial of the Statue of Liberty.  For the  first  time in  the history of  the U.S.,  the leaders from the many  different   cultural       parades and main umbrella organizations from N.Y. City gathered to organize the first Parade of Parades, and over 100 ethnic groups from the metropolitan area celebrated together, leaving aside their political or religious beliefs. 

In this year’s Parade, we will celebrate “Cultural Understanding for World Peace.”  The spirit manifested on September 11th should continue, for it gave us the clear message that we must care for one another, forget our differences and become members of one team, one United States. This year’s parade will represent the spirit of healing from discrimination and anti-immigrant feelings. More than 100 cultures are expected to be represented in the only parade of nations to celebrate each other’s heritage.   You will experience thousands of musicians, their authentic instruments, dancers and singers in national costumes.  It's A Trip Around the World in one day!   

The Annual International Cultures Parade is the only Parade in New York City that showcases the multicultural heritage expression of over 100 communities: giant floats, folkloric dances and music, performers in native costumes, marching bands and contingents, and international pavilions.  Thousands of performers and marchers participate in this annual salute to the multicultural nature of U.S.A.   Unlike many parades, this is "a trip around the world in one day."   Each cultural group performs along the Parade's route to the delight of the spectators.  This event is unique and offers every cultural group the opportunity to participate.   

Among the cultures which will participate and perform in this year’s Parade are: Uruguay, Vietnam, Argentina, Africa-Ivory Coast, Commonwealth of the Bahamas, Native Americans, People’s Republic of Bangladesh, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Chile, People’s Republic of China, Colombia, Croatia, Cyprus, Dominican Republic, Commonwealth of Dominica, Ecuador, Greece, Haiti, India, Jamaica, Republic of Korea, Malta, Mexico, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Romania, Republic of Sierra Leone, Thailand, Trinidad & Tobago, Japan, Brazil and India. 

There is still time to participate in the 17^th International Cultures Parade.  All you need is to contact the International Immigrants Foundation, at (212) 302-2222, fax: (212) 221-7206, or email: iif@10.org and ask for information and an application form. Or check our website: www.10.org and apply on line!

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