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Sunnyside to host Ecuadorian Independence Day celebration Friday evening

Via Getty images

Aug. 22, 2024 By Shane O’Brien

Sunnyside will celebrate Ecuadorian Independence Day with an event at Lowery Plaza this Friday evening.

The event, hosted by the Sunnyside Shines Business Improvement District, features various cultural performances and recognizes Ecuadorian residents and businesses that add to the cultural vibrancy of Sunnyside.

The event will take place at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 23 at Lowery Plaza at 40th St. and Queens Blvd. underneath the 7 train.

Ecuadorian dance group Ayazamana, which is affiliated with the Ecuadorian Community Center, and renowned Andean musical group Grupo Raices with Inti Paucar will provide cultural performances for the event.

Dirk McCall de Paloma, Executive Director of Sunnyside Shines, said the BID was proud to celebrate Sunnyside’s Ecuadorian community and its contributions to the neighborhood.

“We work closely with many Ecuadorian merchants and greatly appreciate the ongoing daily
contributions of this hard-working community,” McCall de Paloma said in a statement.

“Sunnyside is thriving in large part as a result of our immigrant communities – first, second and third generation immigrants continue to work to improve Sunnyside and ensure access to education and financial stability. We are proud to celebrate the Ecuadorian community.”

Council Member Julie Won, who represents District 26 including Sunnyside, said she was honored to pay tribute to the members of the Ecuadorian community who call Sunnyside home.

“Feliz día de Independencia Ecuatoriana to our neighbors in District 26! Thank you to Sunnyside Shines for organizing this celebration in our district, home to thousands of Ecuadorian residents, businesses, and the Ecuadorian Consulate,” Won said in a statement.

“Nearly 200,000 Ecuadorians live in New York City, and 114,000 call Queens home. I’m thrilled to honor the culture and accomplishments of Ecuadorians in our neighborhoods and beyond.”

Ecuador celebrates Independence Day on August 10, celebrating the capital city Quito’s declaration of independence from Spain in 1809. The annual Sunnyside celebration has been delayed until Aug. 23 due to a packed August schedule, including the return of the Bix Beiderbecke Memorial Jazz Concert last week after a five-year hiatus.