By James DeWeese
They all represent elements of the diverse tapestry that makes up New York's small but growing Ecuadorean community. And all were on display at this year's Ecuadorean Heritage Parade in Jackson Heights on Sunday.The parade traveled 20 blocks and lasted more than three hours drawing Ecuadorean dignitaries and Ecuadorean New Yorkers from Queens and beyond as well as a brief appearance from Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who has been on an outerborough tear in recent months.”They add things to our society (and) they take things from New York and send them back to Ecuador,” said Bloomberg of the city's Ecuadorean population. With a proclamation in hand declaring the day Ecuadorean Heritage Parade Day, he said: “If you don't change, you can't grow.”The mayor, accompanied by the president of the Ecuadorean Civic Committee, which organized the parade, the 21st, and cadets from the New York Naval military academy hotfooted down 37th Avenue.Bloomberg's entourage marched the entire length of the parade from 69th Street to 89th Street at a quick pace, often outdistancing the floats that trailed him by several blocks. Smiling and waving to onlookers, Bloomberg was greeted by most with quiet applause.U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer (D- N.Y.) also marched in the parade, addressing the onlookers who lined the street in increasing numbers after the rain that had been falling since early morning broke, eventually giving way to clearer, though muggy skies.”Viva Ecuador, viva America, viva el sol,” Schumer shouted through a bull horn, the emphasis on each Spanish syllable only narrowly missing its mark. Again the flag-bearing crowd fired back their approval.Among the thousands who showed up decked out in the South American nation's trademark yellow, blue and red colors was 2-year-old Kevin Guiracocha, The Brooklyn tot perched atop a mail box, supported by his father, to take in the spectacle through some stylish and meteorologically appropriate shades.His father, Miguel, who has been in the country six years, said it was the first time he and his wife had attended the parade, which featured dancing groups in traditional peasant garb, winners of numerous local beauty pageants, bands playing Ecuadoran marching tunes and floats. But he was glad they came.”When you're Ecuadoran, you always have to be proud,” he said. Members of the borough's Sikh community also turned out in full force, offering free bottles of water to parched parade-goers to raise awareness of the religious community.”This is free water so the people know what we are,” said Mirmal Singh, who goes to a Sikh temple at 61st Street and Broadway.Others also used the event, which celebrates Ecuador's national independence, to get their message across.State assemblyman Jose Peralta (D-Jackson Heights) shuffled down the street, smiling and moving his hips in rhythm to a Latin beat emanating from the Health Plus Health Insurance float. The song was music to his ears.”Jose Peralta for the Assembly. Don't forget it. It's what the people want,” chanted the Spanish-language song, commissioned by his re-election committee.State Sen. John Sabini (D-Jackson Heights) and his Democratic rival Luis Rosero, who is of Ecuadorean decent himself, were also on hand to show their support of the area's Ecuadoran immigrants.”It's very beautiful. Very patriotic. Very exciting,” said Carlos Fajar, a Jackson Heights resident who came with his wife and two kids. “I've been here for a long time, but we always come.” Reach reporter James DeWeese by e-mail at news@timesledger.com, or call 718-229-0300, Ext. 157.
