Sunset Park’s Puerto Rican Day Parade not taking place after mayor cancels all city events through June
Mayor Bill de Blasio canceled all public events through June due to the COVID-19 pandemic resulting in Sunset Park’s Puerto Rican Day Parade and Festival not taking place for the first time since 2014.
The growing tradition began in June 2015 by community organization El Grito de Sunset Park when they received the permit from the city for the event. Before the group organized the event, the neighborhood didn’t see a Puerto Rican Day parade in two decades.
“I told you we were going to talk to the organizers of events in June, which includes some really big important annual events,” de Blasio said during a press conference. “We have had those conversations and this probably will not surprise you, but I’m now reporting today that we will cancel city permits for June events as well. It’s not a happy announcement but it’s one we have to make. And look, a lot of these events will be postponed.”