Chicopee conducted a flag raising to honor Puerto Rican heritage on Nov. 14.
Reminder Publishing photo by Tyler Garnet
CHICOPEE — On Nov. 14, Chicopee residents, business owners and state officials came together to celebrate Puerto Rican Heritage Month with a flag-raising ceremony followed by a celebration across the street at Market Square.
The event was led by the Chicopee Puerto Rican Heritage Committee and the night was filled with community spirit, vibrant performances and an array of resources shared by local agencies.
This is the third Puerto Rican flag raising and second festival, which included food, performances, music and activities.
Chicopee hosts multiple flag raisings a month to recognize either a culture or for a cause like Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Mayor John Vieau talked about the importance of all the flag raisings.
He said, “As long as I’m mayor we’ll continue to do these because frankly, people like to have fun and also to celebrate our heritage it’s always wonderful to remember where you come from and never forget that and always be proud of it.”
State Sen. Jake Oliveira (D-Ludlow) was also at the event to show his support.
He said, “Thank you always to the city of Chicopee for recognizing the wonderful patchwork of cultures that make up this great city and this wonderful region. On behalf of the members of the legislation delegation, it’s an honor to represent them today and to raise this flag at City Hall Plaza.”
Ward 2 City Councilor Shane Brooks also talked about being vice president of the Gandara Center, “the largest front facing supporter as nonprofit of the Hispanic community,” according to Brooks.
He explained, “Our work spans across all of the greater Springfield region but we also are very proud to have a significant footprint here in the city of Chicopee, so on behalf of Gandara Center and myself, thank you so much for all you do and the richness you bring to our community. You don’t go recognized enough so thank you very much.”
Vieau presented the proclamation to Ashley Batlle from Beauty Batlles.
Part of the proclamation read, “Whereas today, Nov. 14, 2024, the city of Chicopee proudly raises the Puerto Rican flag to commemorate and celebrate the heritage, the traditions and values that Puerto Rican citizens have brought to our city and to our region. Puerto Rican individuals and families have played a significant role in the social, economic and cultural development of Chicopee, making invaluable contributions.”
After the Puerto Rican flag was raised, the crowd continued the celebration across the street from 4-8 p.m.
