BRONX (WABC) — Bronx Week, the borough’s biggest annual celebration of culture, community and its legacy as the birthplace of hip-hop, is on hold this year due to economic uncertainty and budget constraints.
The dancers, the music and unity — these familiar sights and sounds that draw people to boogie down to the Bronx for several days in May — is now on pause.
“It’s an unfortunate situation in which the Bronx, which has Bronx Week, has been suspended,” NYC Council member Justin Sanchez said. “It is something I grew up, going to every single year with my family.”
The councilman spoke on Thursday after Borough President Vanessa Gibson announced there wouldn’t be a Bronx Week celebration in 2026.
Gibson released a statement saying in part: “This is not the end of Bronx Week; it is a pause. 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.”
Councilman Sanchez says the weeklong celebration is an important part of the borough’s identity.
“For far too often, we’re always seen as, the kids that are struggling, the folks that need the help the most,” Sanchez said.
“But we are the cultural hub of our city. This is the one week of the year that we get to tout it, we get to celebrate it.”
Meanwhile, business advocates say Bronx Week boosts the local economy. Mexican restaurant Metate just opened last October, and was looking forward to participating in the annual event.
“It’s a bit sad that we didn’t get to experience it,” said Roxanna Ballinas of Metate.
“We were just hoping that we would be able to host some type of event here for the community and see some, you know, sales.”
The president of the Bronx Chamber of Commerce released a statement saying, “We understand how difficult this decision was for the Borough President. At the same time, the Bronx Chamber remains focused on creating opportunities that elevate our borough’s businesses and institutions.”
Councilman Sanchez is now calling on the community to take action.
“I call on all of the folks that have been thinking about investing in the Bronx, that are investing in the Bronx, to reach out to, your local elected officials and see how you can get involved and see how you can help,” Sanchez said.
Sanchez says if the show can’t go on this May, he’s hoping it will be bigger and better next year.
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