The decision to cancel the 54th annual “Bronx Week” has not been well-received. Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson recently announced the cancellation, attributing it to budget constraints.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Gibson explained that her office is redirecting its efforts due to a significant budget deficit and the broader financial challenges currently facing New York City. She reassured residents that “this is not the end of Bronx Week; it is a pause,” referring to the substantial fiscal shortfall highlighted by Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
The announcement has sparked discontent among Bronx residents who are disappointed by the cancellation of the beloved festival, traditionally held throughout May to celebrate the borough’s unique culture and community. The event typically features a variety of activities, including neighborhood walks, jazz and gospel concerts, food festivals, block parties, health and job fairs, and special meals honoring military veterans and other distinguished residents. The festivities culminate in the Bronx Ball, an event that celebrates new inductees into the borough’s hall of fame.
Many residents are voicing their frustration, emphasizing the importance of the event in promoting the borough’s institutions and fostering community spirit. Despite the backlash, Gibson remains firm in her decision, underscoring the need to address the city’s pressing budgetary issues.
But outraged Bronxites slammed Gibson for scraping the festivities — which run through the month of May and promote the borough’s institutions and residents.
Events usually include neighborhood walks, jazz and gospel concerts, food festivals, block parties, health and job fairs, and breakfasts and lunches honoring military veterans and other residents, as well as the Bronx Ball honoring borough hall of fame inductees.
“She canceled Bronx Week? This shows poor leadership,” said the Rev. Ruben Diaz, a former Bronx state senator and city councilman, who heads the Bronx-based Hispanic Clergy Organization.
“This is catastrophic.” Bronx Week is the big activity in the borough,” he said.
Diaz’s son, former Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., promoted Bronx Week when he was in office.
The anticipated event is so popular that the Bronx Tourism Council has a “Countdown to Bronx Week” ticker on its website, ilovethebronx.com
Last year, dozens of sponsors — including Chick-fil-A, Chase, Bally’s, AT&T, Optimum, and DoorDash—participated.
“The sudden and unexpected suspension of Bronx Week hurts deeply for me personally, and it reverberates from block to block throughout our borough for the generations of families who have grown up celebrating this tradition together each year,” local City Council Member Justin Sanchez said in a statement.
One Bronx source familiar with the planning and history of the festival said it was stunning that Gibson canceled it because private funds, not taxpayer dollars, bankrolled the events.
The borough president’s office and the borough economic development corporation solicit funds from the private sector to showcase the events, and therefore it was not a drain on the budget, the insider said.
“It’s shocking,” the source, who requested anonymity, said. “The borough president is supposed to be the cheerleader for the borough and she canceled the largest program showcasing The Bronx.”
“Disappointed people all over the Bronx are texting each other about it.”
The source speculated that Gibson may have staffing issues.
Gibson’s release provided a statement from business leaders that sought to provide her cover for the cancelation, critics said.
“I applaud our Borough President for keeping Bronxites front and center during these challenging times. Her difficult decision reflects a commitment to responsible leadership and being a good steward of the public trust. While Bronx Week is a cherished tradition that celebrates the pride and culture of our borough, we understand the incredible importance of making fiscally responsible decisions,” said Bronx Chamber of Commerce president and CEO Lisa Sorin.
Trey Jenkins, executive director of the 161st Street Business Improvement District, said, “Bronx Week has always been an important moment for our borough to come together and celebrate the culture, businesses, and community spirit that make the Bronx so special. While we will certainly miss the celebration this year, I support Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson’s decision to pause the event in light of the current fiscal climate.”
Gibson, in her statement, said she planned on bringing back Bronx Week in the future.
“During the start of our next chapter, this moment gives us the opportunity to reimagine what Bronx Week can and should look like for the future. We want it to return stronger, more inclusive, more impactful, and reflective of the full spirit and pride of our Borough.”
