Rep. Ritchie Torres Introduces Resolution Honoring Victims of the Happy Land Social Club Fire

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Ritchie Torres (NY-15) introduced a resolution recognizing the victims of the Happy Land Social Club fire in the Bronx and designating March 25, 2026 as a day of remembrance. The resolution honors the 87 lives lost in the March 25, 1990 tragedy, recognizes the lasting impact on their families and the Bronx community, and underscores the need for strong fire safety standards. The full text of the resolution is attached as a PDF to this email.

The Happy Land Social Club fire remains one of the deadliest tragedies in New York City history. Eighty-seven people were killed in an act of arson at an unlicensed nightclub in the West Farms section of the Bronx. Many of the victims were young Hondurans, including members of the Garifuna-American community, along with others from across the Bronx whose lives were cut short.

The resolution formally commemorates those who lost their lives and establishes March 25, 2026 as a day to remember the tragedy. It also recognizes the deep and lasting impact on the Garifuna community and on the Bronx as a whole, where the memory of the fire continues to shape the community decades later.

The tragedy exposed serious failures in building safety and fire code enforcement. In response, the city strengthened requirements for sprinkler systems and smoke alarms. It also increased oversight of public assembly spaces. Those changes continue to shape how New York approaches public safety today. The resolution reaffirms the importance of strong fire safety enforcement and the need to prevent tragedies like this from happening again.

The resolution also reflects how the Bronx responded in the aftermath. First responders and neighbors came together to support families facing unimaginable loss. Decades later, the community continues to honor the victims through memorial services and local events.

“The Happy Land fire is a painful chapter in the history of the Bronx that must never be forgotten,” said Congressman Torres. “We honor the 87 lives lost by remembering them and by making sure we take safety seriously. Their memory should guide how we protect our communities.”

“Justice requires remembrance,” said José Francisco Ávila, Chairman of the  Board Garifuna Coalition USA, Inc. “We thank Representative Torres for his leadership in recognizing this tragedy. This resolution honors the resilience of the survivors and the families of the victims, ensuring that their struggle and their enduring presence remain a recognized part of New York City’s and our nation’s history.” 

By formally commemorating the victims and recognizing the impact of the tragedy, the resolution keeps their memory at the center of the Bronx and reinforces the responsibility to protect every community from preventable harm.

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