The annual Muslim Day Parade will march through Manhattan this Sunday, bringing together Muslim Americans from all five boroughs and beyond to celebrate Muslim culture and religion. The parade promotes a better understanding of Islam by bringing Muslims and other interfaith groups together.
The United Muslim Day Parade was founded in 1985 and has become one of the biggest celebrations of Muslim culture and heritage in the country.
For the first time in the parade’s history, a Jewish leader will be honored. Rabbi Marc Schneier will serve as the honorary grand marshal this Sunday.
“This year’s parade is more important than ever before due to the climate we live in,” Imam Shamsi Ali, president of the Muslim Foundation of America, the parade organizer, said in a statement. “Racism, Islamophobia and anti-Semitism, bigotry and hate are on the rise in our country,” he added.
The Muslim Day Parade kicks off at 12:30 p.m. EST at 38th Street and Madison Avenue and will travel down Madison to 26th Street. The festival will be held at 26th Street, between Madison and Park avenues.
If you plan on attending the parade, please note there will be several street closures in the area. Know before you go.
Muslim Day Parade street closures
According to the New York City Police Department, the following streets will be closed in Manhattan on Sunday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. for the Muslim Day Parade and Festival:
— 36th Street between 5th Avenue and Park Avenue
— 37th Street between 5th Avenue and Park Avenue
— Madison Avenue between 37th Street and 38th Street
— Madison Avenue between 37th Street and 26th Street (PARADE ROUTE)
— Madison Avenue between 26th Street and 25th Street
— 27th Street between Madison Avenue and Park Avenue
— 26th Street between Madison Avenue and Park Avenue (FESTIVAL)
— 23rd Street between Madison Avenue and Park Avenue
— 24th Street between Madison Avenue
