Dispute between organizers, mayor's office leads to venue change for NYC Puerto Rican Heritage Reception
Community members gathered on Thursday for the NYC Puerto Rican Heritage Reception at Pacha New York in Williamsburg, which is located at the former site of Brooklyn Mirage.
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Controversy overshadowed a sunny evening of celebrating Puerto Rican culture.
Community members gathered on Thursday for the NYC Puerto Rican Heritage Reception at Pacha New York in Williamsburg, which is located at the former site of Brooklyn Mirage.
Organizers said it was a last-minute venue change after the Mamdani administration cancelled the group’s usual event at Gracie Mansion.
“His home is our home, just like our home is his home,” said organizer Martha Flores-Vazquez. “So, he’s living in public housing. [Gracie Mansion is] our home. Our taxpayer dollars pay for that, so there’s no reason in the world why anybody should be uninvited.”
Flores-Vazquez said they’ve held their annual celebration at Gracie Mansion for more than three decades.
“If [Mamdani is] not smart enough to do it, then we have to do it ourselves,” said Flores-Vazquez.
The mayor’s office declined News 12’s request for comment.
However, a source close to planning the festivities at Gracie Mansion told News 12 on Thursday that the event was not cancelled, and that an invite-only celebration is scheduled for Friday afternoon.
“The luncheon came after the Puerto Ricans felt disrespected, and it’s the mayor’s way of cleaning it up,” said Flores-Vazquez. “But our way of making things right is to be here [at Pacha New York] and to honor and celebrate our people.”
Despite the dispute, about 200 people showed up to enjoy Puerto Rican food and fun.
