New York Puerto Rican Day Parade: Mayor Bill de Blasio and Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito To Honor 'Calle 13'

Calle 13 is going to be officially honored by New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio and City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito. René Perez, known as Residente has been named as 'King' of the parade, however, according to Buzzfeed, the group is going to be honored at the ceremony at Graci mansion. "I approached [the Mayor] and told him I would like to jointly host [the reception at Gracie Mansion] since I’m the first Puerto Rican in this position,” Mark-Viverito said.

Melissa Mark-Viverito revealed that Calle 13 promotes the strength and values of Puerto Rican culture. “I believe when you have a level of notoriety or a prominent position it’s important when you’re not afraid to express an opinion, especially the way they challenge through their lyrics,” she said. “They speak out against injustice and issues that others may shy away from. I may not agree with them on everything but the fact that they even dare to challenge people is good.”

“I am proud to have been chosen to preside over the Puerto Rican Day parade in New York,” Residente told Buzzfeed. “This is a celebration that permits us to come together to honor our culture and celebrate our nationality and identity...But also, this time, the Puerto Rican diaspora in New York, will be able to unite their voices to speak out on the incarceration of Oscar López Rivera, who on May 29 completed 33 years in jail for the crime of his views. This impacts the whole world,” he said.