Bronx Week is more than just a festival; it’s a symbol of revitalization and pride for the Bronx, a borough that long suffered from stereotypes. The event strengthens the community, promotes tourism, fosters cultural exchange, and supports small businesses. It has become a calling card for the borough, attracting not only residents but also visitors. Read on for more details about this special event on bronxski.com.
The Festival’s Origins
Bronx Week, a celebratory marathon, started as a small yet vibrant gathering. Initially, it was just a one-day celebration inspired by a 1920s event called “Bronx Borough Day.” The idea for its revival came from renowned local historian Lloyd Ultan, and the then-Borough President Robert Abrams helped bring the concept to life.
However, amidst the social tensions and changes sweeping New York in the 1970s, the event quickly gained new momentum and transformed into a week-long series of festivities. That’s how Bronx Week, in its modern format, was born. In the 1980s, another significant event was added to the program—the Bronx Ball, which became a special gala evening for local leaders, artists, philanthropists, and honored guests. Other important events include a grand parade that winds through the borough’s main streets and a ceremony unveiling new names on the Bronx Walk of Fame.
The modern program also features:
- A food and arts festival with food trucks, artisans, and live performances.
- Historical tours.
- Tournaments.
- Film screenings.
- Exhibitions.
- Literary readings.
- Events for veterans, youth, and seniors.
All these activities are organized under the auspices of the Borough President’s office, the Bronx Tourism Council, and local partners.
The Bronx Walk of Fame
The idea for the Bronx Walk of Fame originated in 1997 with Bronx Borough President Fernando Ferrer, who served from 1987 to 2001. His goal was clear: to pay tribute to individuals with deep ties to the Bronx who had made significant contributions to society—in art, science, sports, and civic life.
The first induction ceremony took place on June 1, 1997—symbolically, during the celebration of the 25th Bronx Week.
The initial Walk of Fame plaques were installed between East 158th and 161st Streets on Grand Concourse, directly in front of the historic Bronx County Courthouse. Among the first honorees were Calvin Klein, Curtis Sliwa (founder of the Guardian Angels), and former Congressman Jose Serrano. Each plaque featured the honoree’s name, along with visual elements—a stylized image of the courthouse on the left and a pizzeria on the right, symbolizing the borough’s local flavor. At the top was the word “Bronx,” and at the bottom, “Walk of Fame.”
In 2007, the design was updated: the pizzeria was replaced by an Art Deco-style building—a style characteristic of many Bronx residential buildings. The font was also changed, and the courthouse image was improved.
The Walk of Fame grew with each passing year. New honorees’ names appeared further and further south, reaching East 138th Street, even in less crowded parts of Grand Concourse.
In 2019, a large-scale renovation of the Walk of Fame was announced. This project aims to breathe new life into the entire pedestrian area—from East 149th Street (near the Bronx General Post Office and Hostos Community College) to 167th Street (near the Bronx Museum of Art). The renovation includes not only an aesthetic overhaul of the space but also a new logical arrangement of the plaques: grouping them by categories (music, sports, education, etc.), installing new plaques, and creating a digital map to help visitors easily navigate and learn more about the honored individuals.
The nomination process is democratic and open. Anyone—local residents, community organizations, or institutions—can submit a nomination. The final decision is made by a special commission consisting of:
- The Bronx Borough President.
- The Bronx Tourism Council.
- The Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation.
The names of new inductees are usually announced just before Bronx Week. Their plaques are installed in the main section of the Walk, in front of the courthouse, where they remain for a year. Subsequently, to make space for new names, previous plaques are relocated further along Grand Concourse.
Since 2012, the number of annual honorees has been limited to five individuals to ensure each receives due attention.
The Bronx Walk of Fame is more than just a path with plaques. It’s a space of remembrance, gratitude, and inspiration, showcasing how many outstanding individuals have grown up in or left an indelible mark on this borough.
Forced Break and the Return of the Celebration
In 2020, for the first time in almost 50 years, the annual Bronx Week celebration did not take place. Amidst the global COVID-19 pandemic, this beloved event was canceled.
On April 15, 2020, organizers announced that year’s celebration would not happen. The Bronx Tourism Council, the primary organizer of the event, stated that they did not plan to reschedule Bronx Week for other dates, as the future remained too unpredictable. Although it was a painful decision, they emphasized that the health and safety of residents were paramount.
“We are saddened that the borough will lose this joy, but we believe this is the only correct decision under the circumstances. And we are already preparing for an even grander return in 2021,” the organizers noted.
In previous years, Bronx Week was much more than a typical festival. It was a multi-day celebration of pride, honoring local heroes, cultural figures, and talented residents. Among the star guests of past years were actress Maggie Siff, rapper Fat Joe, and legendary boxer Iran Barkley. The culmination of the celebrations traditionally included a crowded parade, an open-air concert, and an arts and gastronomy fair.
Ruben Diaz Jr., the then-Borough President, commented on the situation, emphasizing that the decision was difficult but necessary.
“This pandemic is unprecedented. It has changed our lives, our habits, and even such steadfast traditions as Bronx Week.”
Bronx Week is the heart of the borough. Its temporary loss in 2020 was painful but became an important gesture of solidarity and responsibility to the community. Yet, the Bronx is a borough accustomed to overcoming challenges. And within a year, the festival returned, even brighter, uniting people with new vigor and gratitude for every shared moment.
How Bronx Week 2025 Was Celebrated
On May 6, 2025, the 53rd Bronx Week celebrations officially began at the Bronx Museum of Art. The event was opened by Borough President Vanessa Gibson, Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation President Rob Walsh, Bronx Tourism Council Development Director Julius Drake, and festival partners. The theme of the celebration—”Strive and Thrive”—symbolized the borough’s energy, resilience, and future.
One of the central events was the solemn induction ceremony for new figures into the Bronx Walk of Fame. Among the 2025 honorees were:
- Devon Rodriguez — an artist and portraitist known for his New York subway work who gained fame through TikTok. He shared his personal story about growing up in the Bronx, living with his grandmother, his struggles, and his journey to recognition.
- Kemba Walker — NBA star and coach, who called his journey from the streets of the Bronx to the NBA leagues proof of the power of perseverance.
- Damian Priest — WWE star, who thanked the borough for its support and the honor of being recognized.
- Judy Torres — a freestyle singer, who proudly spoke of her Latin heritage and the resilient spirit of Bronx residents.
- Gary Axelbank — a host, journalist, and producer, founder of the Bronx Talk program, who received two awards: induction into the Walk of Fame and the “People’s Choice” award. He movingly thanked his family and shared the story of his media career.
Several significant awards and honors were also presented. DJ D-Nice (Derrick Jones) received the Key to the Borough of the Bronx, joining distinguished past honorees.
The Bronx Tourism Awards were also presented. Recipients included the newly established Bronx Music Heritage Center, opened in late 2024, and the New York Yankees team for their significant contribution to the borough’s tourism appeal.
The celebrations culminated on May 17-18.
On May 17, a grand reception, the Bronx Ball, took place at the Hutchinson Metro Center, where the Walk of Fame inductees were honored once again.
On Sunday, May 18, the annual Bronx Week Parade was held on Mosholu Parkway in the Bedford Park area, along with a large street festival and a final concert. Artists such as TKA, Eddie Montalvo, Los Hermanos Morenos, and La Insuperable performed. Families relaxed on blankets and in chairs, children played on the grass—the atmosphere was truly festive and unifying.
In 2025, the festival introduced several innovations:
- The launch of the Bronx Walk of Fame App, allowing interactive exploration of the Walk of Fame.
- The BX Factor competition, bigger than ever.
- And, of course, an expanded program for the Bronx Ball.
“We are proud to have held our annual Bronx Week Inauguration Ceremony to honor five Bronx luminaries whose names will forever be well-known in our borough’s history. Congratulations!” concluded Vanessa Gibson.