Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg hosted a reception at Gracie Mansion to honor the culture and diversity of Hispanics living in New York City and to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Hispanic Heritage Parade.  The Mayor will march on Sunday, October 10th in the parade that will travel up 5th Avenue as it has since 1964.  The theme of this year's parade is "Progress through Education."  The Hispanic Heritage Parade was established to celebrate the culture of 22 countries from Central America, South America, the Caribbean and Spain.  Joining the Mayor at the reception were Hispanic Heritage Parade Committee President Carolina Beteta, Deputy Mayor Carol Robles-Román, Immigrant Affairs Commissioner Guillermo Linares, Mayor's Office to Combat Domestic Violence Commissioner Yolanda Jimenez, Department of Youth and Community Development Commissioner Jeanne Mulgrav, Department for the Aging Commissioner Edwin Mendez-Santiago and other invited guest. 

"Hispanic Heritage Month marks the anniversary of independence for five Latin American countries and highlights the many contributions that Hispanic Americans have made to this country and this City," said Mayor Bloomberg. "New York City has the honor of being home to two million Hispanics, who have helped make New York the most diverse city in the world.  Tonight, we honor their accomplishments and celebrate their heritage."

Mayor Bloomberg presented Carolina Beteta, with a Proclamation in recognition of the parade's long history and success.  The Mayor also stated the administrations commitment to providing the best possible education to the nearly 40% Hispanic students in the New York City Public School system.

Entertainment for tonight's event was provided by the "Orden del Camino de Santiago" of Spain and the Biagra International Group, a Peruvian quartet that greeted guests as they arrived.   Sponsors of this reception included Presidente Beer, La Palapa Restaurant, Café Ronda, Café Frida, Classic Catering, Bahía Restaurant, Argentina Pavillion Restaurant and Inti Raymi Restaurant.