Commissioner Manuel Castro, Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs: [Speaks in Spanish.] It is my incredible honor for me to be up here — as I said earlier today — celebrating the Día de Muertos, the Day of the Dead, for the first time at Gracie's Mansion. And this could have not been possible without the support of Mayor Eric Adams who just arrived and is here with us today.
And mayor, I just shared with everyone here how incredibly important this celebration is for Mexicans all over the world and for Mexicans in New York. But mayor, I also shared with them how important and meaningful it was for you to visit the Basilica of the Virgin of Guadalupe in Mexico during our recent visit there. And not only have you acknowledge the Mexican community and the immigrant community and our contributions to the city, but you know and understand the importance of holding events such as these.
So, mayor, like I shared with the crowd earlier today, New York City has never seen a more Mexican mayor than Mayor Eric Adams.
So, with that, I am proud to introduce the mayor of the greatest city in the world, Mayor Eric Adams.
Mayor Eric Adams: Thank you. Thank you. This is such an important… The first of its kind, right, commissioner? First time we're here celebrating the Day of the Dead, and I believe it's the day of the living with the spirituall., I was happy to see a photo of my mom that was here as part of the entire display that was here. And I cannot thank the commissioner enough who has traveled with me not only to Mexico but down to the south of the border here in our country, has been a real partner, as being a dreamer he knows what it is to have a dream and to obtain that dream. So, you know, please, let's give it up for an amazing commissioner, Commissioner Castro.
And you know, I just, I think it is important for I begin tonight, you know, there was something that was announced about our campaign, and I just want to be clear to you. I hold my campaign to the highest ethical standards. Any inquiry that is done we're going to fully participate and make sure that it's done correctly.
I have not been contacted by anyone from any law enforcement agency, and that's why I came back from the D.C., to be here, to be on the ground and look at this inquiry as it was made. But we're here tonight to celebrate moving to this important event that we're having. Now, it's Día de Muertos? Did I say it right?
Muertos. Muertos. Okay. Today is a day of celebration where thousands of New Yorkers remember family members and friends who have passed, because absent from the body is present in the spirit. Just because someone leaves us physically does not mean they left us spiritually. And I feel the presence of my mother every day, like I'm sure many of you feel the presence of your loved ones every day.
And I'm glad that New Yorkers have a chance to experience this rich tradition. Mexican New Yorkers play an important role in our city and have grown to become our third largest Latino community in the city. I see some of my police officers that are here, from police officers to teachers to firefighters to everyday New Yorkers making New York continue to function. And you are many of our first responders. People were able to shelter in place because you were in the right place to ensure that the city continued to function.
Several weeks ago, on a trip to Mexico together, Commissioner Castro and I went to Puebla, and they gave me such a royal reception. And they saw their son come home, it was just amazing as they acknowledged their son and how great he's doing here in the city.
I experienced the warmth of the Mexican people, and especially I want to thank my good friend, Consul General López who's here as well. He has been a real guiding light for all of us. Give it up for your consul general… His hospitality. And New York and Mexico share an unbreakable bond. We are together so many things. And so I was grateful for the opportunity to speak to so many aspiring leaders who are dedicated to creating an even better future for the future of the nation of Mexico and for the many meaningful conversations I had with people dedicated to solving our global asylum seeker crisis.
Everyone in the city just wants to work, just want to contribute to the American dream. And you know that better than anyone, because you have been working hard for the people of the city, and I thank you for that.
And I want to emphasize that New York City is a city of immigrants. We are deeply committed to the well‑being of our immigrant communities and to continue to strengthen our relationship with the Mexican people. The more we learn about each other, the better citizens we can be. And I just want to really thank you.
I did this in Borough Hall. We celebrated the Day of the Dead in Borough Hall. We did it throughout my time there. And to bring it here to City Hall for the first time is a really good acknowledgment of the rich spirit and culture that the Mexican people bring to this great city. So, thank you so much. Viva Mexico.
We're going to now give out some citations.
Commissioner Castro: Now, like I said earlier today, I am very proud to honor these three amazing individuals that with their contributions to New York City, they have uplifted our communities every single day, every single year. And so I would like to welcome up Carmen Serrano. Carmen Serrano is a community leader.
I'd like to welcome up Jairo Guzmán, the executive director of Coalición Mexicana.
And from Zamora Entertainment, Pedro and Myra Zamora.
Mayor Adams: And we want to really give an awesome round of applause to our amazing senator, Senator Robert Jackson. Senator, come say a few words for us. Give it up for Senator Jackson.
State Senator Robert Jackson: Buenas noches a todos. ¿Como estás?
Well, this is my first time here in this ceremony, but one thing that I know is that Mayor Adams opened up this house to so many people for their first time and continuously, you know, from a cultural point of view so people can understand we are the type of city that we represent everyone. And I appreciate that, mayor. Keep up the good work. And next year, I will have a picture of my mother, who I think about every single day. So, thank you for having me. I appreciate it. And congratulations to all of you.
Mayor Adams: Thank you. Thank you. A lot of food, enjoy yourself, enjoy the rest of the evening. Viva Mexico!
Commissioner Castro: [Speaks in Spanish.] And the party doesn't end here. As many of you know, we have a big celebration at Times Square where we'll continue to celebrate Día de Muertos. This event is sponsored by the Department of Transportation with Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez and many of our great city offices and agencies. Thank you so much.
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