ABOUT IHCAP, INC.

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International Honduran and Central American Parade, Inc. (IHCAP), was founded Nineteen (20) years ago, during the year of 1996.  A newly developed committee founded and led by Mr. Pablo Gomez and a group of dedicated and committed individuals joined forces to create an event that would represent and unify a diverse Central American community.  In 1997, the committee obtained their first official City Permit to host the first Parade/Festival in the County of the Bronx, New York, to celebrate and commemorate Central America’s Independence Day.  The parade route started from 156th St/Prospect Ave, made a right at 149th St/Southern Blvd, a left at 149th St/St. Ann’s Avenue & disbanded at 143rd St/St. Mary’s Playground East; Followed by the Street Festival at Saint Mary’s Playground East in the Mott Haven Section of the Bronx, New York; Two (2) years later, the Parade was re-routed to Southern Boulevard – near the Bronx, Zoo, followed by the Festival at 175th Street (A.K.A today as Trujillano’s Park); then moved to 180th Street and Southern Blvd and disbanded at Charlotte St/Boston Road.  In 2012, due to massive reduction of parade route’s in NYC, the Parade was once again affected – starting from East Tremont Ave. (87 Happy Land Monument) & Southern Blvd, disbanding at Charlotte Street and Crotona Park East.   

 

Today, the Parade continues to be traditionally held during the second Sunday of the month of September in observance of the anniversary of Central America’s Independence Parade from Spain, 196 years ago.  Both Signature events takes place on a long weekend celebration - The Central American Independence Parade kicks of at 12:00p.m. Sharp!  Followed by the after-parade Central American Music Festival in the heart of Crotona Park, between Crotona Avenue and Claremont Parkway.

 

In 2008, Evelyn L. Arauz-Chamorro (Vice President) replaced Pablo Gomez (Founder/President).  Since 2010, Evelyn L. Arauz-Chamorro, has spearheaded the organization independently alongside board members committed and determined to meet the needs of its targeted consumer population, meet organizational goals, and maximize partnership relations and community involvement to raise consciousness and address issues affecting our communities:   immigration, health, human rights, women empowerment, environmental awareness, vital to the organization’s advocacy, outreach, collaborative and sustainability efforts. 

 

To further its mission, Int’l Honduran and Central American Parade, Inc. (IHCAP) seeks to foster and encourage social/civic/cultural engagement, provide participation and volunteer opportunities to increase Parade/Festival participation and spectator involvement - so that community members can gain a deeper understanding of Central American’s heritage, custom and culture.  The Central American Independence Day Celebration,” has become a valued tradition and remains a vital part of Bronx’s culture; and continues to be cherished and well loved by the community, evidenced by their show of support and involvement over the last twenty (20) years, attracting attendees in the thousands from local neighborhoods of the Bronx County, surrounding communities throughout New York City’s diverse population and its visitors. 

 

Mission Statement

 

Create awareness and appreciation of the Central American culture in the New York Metropolitan Area.  

 

Vision Statement

 

Promote Central America’s diverse cultural richness by showcasing community spirit, solidarity, and celebrating community achievements and the contributions Central Americans have made to the economic development of this nation. 

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Philosophy of IHCAP

 

• To honor its core value of commitment:  loyalty to our community, to this organization and each team member to cultivate success

• Exercise fiscal responsibility as a means of achieving our mission

• Maintain transparency and accountability so to earn public trust

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centralamericanparade@yahoo.com

(C) 1996-Present 

International Honduran and Central American Parade, Inc., 

All Rights Reserved