Puerto Rican culture celebrated in Springfield

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - More than 150 people gathered at the Cedars Banquet facility on Island Pond Road Friday night for the annual Puerto Rican Cultural Center Gala.

Three days after Election Day, there's a lot of buzz over the majority non-binding vote in Puerto Rico favoring the island becoming the 51st state.

Emmanual Vera of Westfield told 22news, "It's always been talked about. I've always heard bout statehood, and the chance for Puerto Rico to become a state. But it's really amazing to see and live in the forefront where it's already being worked on and could potentially go to congress."

Friday night's gala was an opportunity for Hispanic professionals to network and celebrate their accomplishments in the community.