Bronx Puerto Rican Day Parade Extends Heartfelt Thanks After Successful Gala

By MIRIAM QUIÑONES

The Bronx Puerto Rican Day Parade Gala pageant royal court queens, princesses, kings and princes pose for a photo at the pageant held at the Villa Barone Manor in Throggs Neck on Wednesday May 14, 2025. Front Row: (Infant Division) First Princess Emmaleah Heredia (Utuado), Queen Liana Ann Plasencia (Humacao), Second Princess Melania Perez (Las Piedras); Top Row: (Dame Division) First Princess Christine Avaló (Vega Baja), Second Princess Cinthia Prado (Naguabo), Queen Jessica Torres (Guánica); Juvenile Division: Queen Míah Danielle (Juana Díaz), First Princess Passion Cordero (Manatí), Bronx Puerto Rican Parade President Maribel Mecado; Male Juvenile Division: Prince Justin López ( San Juan ) Gentleman Division: Cultural King Rubén Santana (Comerío), Second Prince Juan Vazquez (Caguas); Top Row: (Male Juvenile Division) King Angel Guzmán (San Sebastián); Gentleman Division: First Prince Marlon Derek (Naguabo)
Photo by Miriam Quinones

The Bronx Puerto Rican Day Parade committee said they were proud to express their “deepest gratitude” to all who made their recent gala, held on May 14 at the Villa Barone Manor in Throggs Neck, an overwhelming success.

The gala, described as a vibrant celebration of 39 years of Puerto Rican culture and community under the theme of “Unidos Somos mas Fuertes” [Together, we are stronger], brought together supporters from across the borough and beyond.

“We are incredibly grateful for the immense support shown at our annual gala,” said Maribel Mercado, president of the parade committee. “Your presence and generosity are vital to our mission of celebrating and empowering the Puerto Rican community in The Bronx. A special thank you to all our attendees, our esteemed honorees, our generous sponsors, and our dedicated board members for making this evening truly unforgettable.”

City Councilman Rafael Salamanca Jr. (C.D. 17), currently running for Bronx borough president was one of the sponsors of the event.

According to the committee, proceeds from the gala contribute to the cost of the Bronx Puerto Rican Day Parade to be on June 14 and to future community events. The parade route begins at the Grand Concourse and 165th Street at noon and continues to Mount Eden.

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