Transcript: Mayor Adams Hosts Albanian Culture Reception

June 21, 2025

Mayor Eric Adams: What a day, what a day. When you think about it, our brothers and sisters from Albania, from Kosovo, from Montenegro, and North Macedonia, it says so much for us to be here in Gracie Mansion and to have your parade, a parade that means so much.

A parade is symbolic in this country as a way of stating that you are part of everything we believe in, and the beauty of it is that when you march down one of our major avenues, it is showing and displaying your flag, your red and black flag with that important symbol on it.

It states that you don't have to abandon your country to love your adopted country, America. You are able to have both. Think about this community. Think about what you mean and what you represent. It was stated that you should thank me and thank the country. No, we should thank you.

You bring here faith, you bring here your culture, you bring here your work ethic, you bring here your public safety, the men and women who not only adorn your red and black symbol, but they also adorn the police uniform. They keep us safe every day, and I want to thank them [for being] here to celebrate with us.

When it was asked of me if you could have a parade, I said yes. We will make it happen, and we will ensure that it is one of the finest parades that you will see. 200,000 strong Albanians live in New York City. The largest number of Albanians in this country is right here in New York City.

From Little Albania in the Bronx to Little Albania in Queens, you have grown and you have a strong foothold, and your political strength is unprecedented. I say to you, thank you for making this city what it is.

We want to honor many of your heroes and sheroes that's here today, and we want to show them that we thank them for their contributions to the City of New York. I'm so excited about today.

It took 109 mayors before they understood that we should have an Albanian Day parade here in New York City, where you're doing it now. And my son, I'm so jealous of him, he went to Albania and participated in one of your concerts.

I can't wait until I get to Albania and enjoy the beautiful rivers and seas and mountains and all that you have to offer. And so thank you so much, and we look forward to honoring and lifting up those who we are honoring today. Thank you. Happy Day.