Transcript: Mayor de Blasio Speaks at the New York Ecuadorian Parade

August 3, 2014

Mayor Bill de Blasio: [Mayor speaks in Spanish]

I want to thank Oswaldo Guzman and the entire Ecuadorian civic committee of New York for the extraordinary work they did in creating this parade. Let’s thank all of them.

[Applause]

And some of the other great leaders here with us, Luis Chiriboga, Jorge Lopez Amaya and Jessica Escala. Let’s thank all of them for their leadership. And of course, the Francisco Moya who does a fantastic job representing this community in Albany. We thank him for his good work. Today is an example of the strength and the vibrancy of this extraordinary community – over 100,000 Ecuadorians in New York City. Part of what is making this city stronger every day, a community that is so beautiful, so culturally rich, so economically strong, making us stronger. And you add a lot to this city. And this day, you celebrate the independence of Ecuador 205 years ago, in 1809. And you display the beautiful flag. May I borrow a flag? Who's got a flag for me? Gracias. 

This beautiful flag –

[Applause]

Yellow represents the sun – the sun that shines over Ecuador. Blue for this beautiful blue sky and the blue sea around Ecuador. And red for the blood of patriots who fought for independence that we celebrate 205 years later.

[Applause]

And this community is so full of life. You bring so much to us. You bring a strong culture, you bring delicious food, you bring marimba. I look forward to taking marimba lessons with the first lady soon. And you bring extraordinary food like pandeyuca. I look forward to tasting some today.

So I want to bestow a proclamation, on behalf of the people of New York City, on behalf of all 8.4 million people, declaring today, August 3, 2014, Ecuadorian Parade Day in New York City. 

[Applause]

Estoy feliz de participar en este grande desfile y de celebrar el  orgullo y la cultura ecuatoriana. La gente de Ecuador ha contribuído mucho a hacer de Nueva York la cuidad vibrante y diversa que es hoy. Y yo digo que viva Ecuador!

Audience: ¡Viva Ecuador!