The Presentation of Nations' Flags is part of the Parade —
not a separate, standalone event somewhere else.
How the Presentation Unfolds
Diplomats Lead Each National Contingent
A designated diplomat or official representative of each nation leads its national contingent from the start of the Parade while displaying the national flag along Avenue of the Americas.
Flag Presented to a Public Official
The diplomat presents the national flag to a public official at the designated presentation point in front of the assembled audience.
National Anthem & "Long Live [Nation's Name]"
The flag is waved as the national anthem plays. The Masters of Ceremonies broadcast: "Long Live [Nation's Name]."
Flag Held Backstage
After the presentation, each flag is held backstage until the conclusion of the Parade.
Closing: Flags Return to the Parade Route
At the conclusion of the Parade, all flag holders parade the flags together from the stage back into the parade route, closing both the Parade and the Celebration.
For Ambassadors, Permanent Missions to the United Nations, Consuls General in New York City, Cultural Attachés, Business Attachés, Commercial Attachés, Tourism Attachés, Trade Commissioners, Economic Development Officers, tourism boards, chambers of commerce, cultural institutes, and national representatives in New York City, the International Cultures Celebration provides a structured platform for cultural diplomacy, national pavilion participation, diaspora engagement, tourism and trade promotion, and measurable public participation. The Presentation of Nations' Flags takes place inside the International Cultures–Immigrants Parade on Avenue of the Americas.
Indigenous, Native & Ancestral Communities. The Celebration recognizes that many nations are home to multiple Indigenous, native, ancestral, regional, linguistic, and cultural communities. Participation honors not only national identity, but also the living cultures, languages, histories, knowledge systems, and contributions of Indigenous peoples, Native American communities, tribal nations, ancestral cultural communities, first peoples, and native peoples from cultures around the world — as living communities, not as folklore. Where appropriate, national contingents may include representation of Indigenous and Native cultures within the nation's identity.
Schools, Universities & Cultural Departments. For elementary schools, junior high schools, high schools, secondary education institutions, colleges, universities, cultural departments, language departments, student organizations, professors, and teachers, the International Cultures Celebration offers a living public classroom where students can experience world cultures, Indigenous traditions, immigrant communities, national pavilions, cultural diplomacy, tourism, language, food, performance, history, and intercultural dialogue — in New York City and through future National City Cultures Celebrations. University cultural departments and programs focused on Spanish, Latin American, Muslim, Islamic, Arab, Middle Eastern, African, Asian, Caribbean, Indigenous, European, and other world cultures are warmly invited to participate.
Foreign Residents & Native-Born Cultural Learners. The Celebration also welcomes foreign residents living away from their native land and native-born residents who want to learn about foreign cultures, understand their neighbors, reduce prejudice, and participate in a more informed multicultural society.
Presentation of Nations' Flags — Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Presentation of Nations' Flags a separate event?
No. The Presentation of Nations' Flags takes place during the International Cultures–Immigrants Parade on Avenue of the Americas. It is the diplomatic and ceremonial heart of the Parade.
Who carries each nation's flag?
A designated diplomat or official representative of each nation leads its national contingent from the start of the Parade while displaying the national flag.
Who receives each flag?
Each flag is presented to a public official during the Parade, in front of the assembled audience. The national anthem of the participating nation plays during the presentation.
What do the Masters of Ceremonies announce?
As the anthem plays and the flag is presented, the Masters of Ceremonies broadcast: 'Long Live [Nation's Name].'
What happens to the flag after presentation?
After the presentation, each flag is held backstage until the conclusion of the Parade. At the end of the Parade, all flag holders return — together — parading the flags from the stage back into the parade route, closing both the Parade and the Celebration.
How does a nation participate in the flag ceremony?
Flag participation is included in the National Participation Application, alongside the Nation's Representing City, Country Star, Tourism Board, and Conference participation. The nation's designated diplomat or official representative carries the flag.