Above, Co-captain Lizbeth Presinal, of the popular dance troupe Estrellas Tropicales, is shown marching through Fields Corner. (Chris Lovett photo)
Under ideal weather conditions, Sunday’s Dorchester Day Parade, extended now to 119 years, kicked off at Lower Mills with three hours of procession highlighting a cross-section of Dorchester along a 3.2-mile route ending at Columbia Road.
The day started with the annual Dot Day 5K road race, which had a new route this year that didn’t finish in Fields Corner but in Ashmont. Hundreds from all age divisions participated along Dorchester Avenue prior to the parade.
At 1 p.m., Mayor Wu and Chief Marshal Charlie Santangelo, Honorary Grand Marshal Tan Nhu Pham, and Mayor of Dorchester Bridget McDonagh cut the ribbon and let the parade loose.
The Grand Marshal picks this year had special meaning with the 50th anniversary of the Fall of Saigon and the end of the Vietnam War in 1975. Santangelo was a US Marine serving in Vietnam, and Pham, now a long-time Dorchester resident, served in the South Vietnamese military during the war.
Highlights of the parade this year included numerous baton dance teams, several small marching bands, a large contingent from the Laborer’s 223 (founded in Dorchester), the Boys & Girls Clubs of Dorchester group, and two large Vietnamese Martial Arts Academies with Lion Dancers.
“Happy Dorchester Day!” or “Happy Dot Day!” was the call and response from marchers and spectators, as is the tradition. This year’s parade featured a number of local political candidates as it is a city election year – with candidates for mayor, council-at-large, and district councillors marching.
Young racers in the Dot Day 5K came back to Fields Corner post-race decked out in medals for the youth divisions. Shown here are Francis and Finian Doyle, with Levon Shalian.
St. Mark’s Church got into the Dot Day festivities, once again reviving a lawn party at a landmark location on the parade route. Shamus Hyland and Mike Shaw set up the St. Mark’s banner for Dorchester Day.
Chief Marshal Charlie Santangelo and Honorary Chief Marshal Tan Nhu Pham.
Placing the memorial wreath on the Dorchester War Veterans Memorial in Fields Corner were Chief Marshal Charlie Santangelo, resident Tuan Tran, Honorary Chief Marshal Tan Nhu Pham, Mayor Wu, and Mayor of Dorchester Bridget McDonagh.
The Thomas J. Kenny School Band hit the road playing several numbers as they marched along Dorchester Avenue.
Laborers’ Local 223 had a commanding presence in this year’s parade with dozens of members marching.
The Roma Band was a highlight of the parade this year.
Zoe Tran, of Boston Little Saigon, handed out Vietnamese and American flags along the route.
Dr. Guy Fish, president and CEO of Codman Square Health Center, marched with his wife, Kim.
Dot Out members had a lively float fashioned with bright blue fabric to celebrate Dorchester Day and begin the celebration for Pride Month in June.
Dorchester dads Mike Ritter and Jasen Lambright running the Dot Day 5K.
Kim Cook and Joseph Haddad set up near the Henderson Lower School with hamburgers and all the fixings.
The Finnegan family stationed themselves along the parade route to welcome Little Miss Dorchester Blake Finnegan. Her father, Tom Finnegan, is shown in front.
Old friends Minh Tran and Tuan Tran were dressed to impress in front of Kimmy Pharmacy on Dorchester Avenue, which Tuan Tran operates. Both were soldiers in the South Vietnamese military during the Vietnam War.
Dorchester’s Josh Wilson with his daughter, Ava, looking for the perfect spot to watch the parade in Fields Corner.
Mayor Michelle Wu greeted people along the parade route with Mid-Dorchester liaison Anthony Nguyen (left) close behind.
Estar Rani Vallapu, Sheree Holmes, State Rep. Russell Holmes, and Marilyn Stout.
Councillor at-Large Erin Murphy, of Dorchester, waving to the crowds.
Members of the Dorchester Youth Hockey 10U team, fresh off a Tier III Medium State Championship triumph, were all smiles on their float going through Fields Corner.
With a soundtrack of upbeat merengue, Councillor at-Large Julie Mejia, of Dorchester, had a bright orange army of supporters with her.
The Shriners Drifters motorcycle trick bikes were a hit once again.
Councillor at-Large Henry Santana, of Dorchester, waved to the residents.
Council President Ruthzee Louijeune and campaign supporters made their way through Fields Corner.
The 1975 Project: A Vietnamese Diaspora Commemoration Initiative got a warm welcome in the heart of the Vietnamese community in Fields Corner.
Angel Ramirez, 13, leads the Bin Dinh Academy, based on Charles Street, through Fields Corner. Hundreds of young people and young adults participate in the Academy.
Brothers in service, Councillor Brian Worrell, and state Rep. Chris Worrell, pause for a picture with their supporters and the New Orleans style street band in Fields Corner with the Red Line as a backdrop.
Dorchester Baseball got into the act in the Parade.
Council at-Large candidate Frank Baker and his wife, Today, both Dorchester residents, took a quick break from the route for a photo.
State Rep. Brandy Fluker-Reid greeted spectators.
Estrella Tropicales Co-Captain Nylah Randolph showed off her baton work and dance moves in Fields Corner.
Council at-Large candidate Alexandra Valdez brought some energy to Fields Corner.
Dorchester’s Award-Winning Four Star Dance Studio dancers put on a show all along the route.
Seth Daniel
News Editor, The Dorchester Reporter
June 4, 2025