Protest in New York City against Esencia in Puerto Rico.

Wednesday, August 5, 2026. Occupied Manahatta, Lenapehoking (Manhattan, New York City). – The protest against Esencia in Puerto Rico will be in Union Square, Manhattan; New York City, on August 5, 2026. 5:00 PM.

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“ESENCIA NO VA”, says the Coalición Defiende a Cabo Rojo.

“(Esencia is) a $2 billion luxury megaproject that threatens protected lands, fragile ecosystems, and the communities of Cabo Rojo. It would also be catastrophic for all of Puerto Rico,” says the Coalición Defiende a Cabo Rojo on its website defiendeacaborojo.org.

STOP THE LUXURY MEGAPROJECT “ESENCIA” IN CABO ROJO, PUERTO RICO NOW.

A petition by the Coalición Defiende a Cabo Rojo on www.change.org says, in part, “Communities, citizens, and specialists in diverse fields come together to raise their voices in rejection of “Esencia.” The luxury megaproject called “Essence” in Spanish is a deception, as it would destroy, precisely, the essence, heart, and nature of Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico, its communities and neighborhoods, ecological balance, and socioeconomic fabric. 

This megaproject, proposed for construction in Punta Melones, Cabo Rojo by the foreign firms Reuben Brothers and Three Rules Capital, seeks to build 900 elite residences, 5 hotels, 2 golf courses, an artist villa, a private airport, a trauma center, and a school in 2,000 acres of lands classified as Specially Protected-Ecological Rustic Soil (SREP-E, in Spanish) at the federal and national levels, and with more than 100 identified archaeological sites. The zone sits between Boquerón Bay and Combate, as well as between two wildlife refuges encompassing wetlands and lagoons. Beyond Cabo Rojo, the implications of this “exclusive city” settlement would compromise the resources of Puerto Rico’s entire southwestern region.” Click here to read and SIGN THE PETITION.

“Familia! Mañana es el día. The Diáspora and our allies say “PRESENTE” as we take the streets tomorrow to stand in solidarity with our people in Boriken.

Puerto Rico is the worlds OLDEST colony and continues to deal with land theft at the hands of greedy corporations that hide their intentions of destruction under the false promises of “development”.

We stand against Esencia while also reminding the world that Puerto Rico must be freed from the shackles of imperialism.

Pioneer Square, Portland, OR
Wednesday, August 5
5:00 PM PT

HUMBOLDT PARK, California & Division Intersection, Chicago, IL
Wednesday, August 5
5:00 PM CT

Union Square, NY, NY
Wednesday, August 5
5:00 PM EST

Viva Puerto Rico Libre!
Esencia No Va!

FAQ directly from the organizers of Defiende a Cabo Rojo! All the info you need to know why this project must be stopped,” said The Bori Collective on August 4, 2026.

“ESENCIA JUST CLEARED A MAJOR HURDLE. NOW WE FIGHT BACK.

This is the moment we’ve been preparing for.

Esencia has secured a major permit approval. While it’s not the final permit, it brings this destructive project one step closer to becoming a reality. That means our response must be louder, bigger, and more visible than ever.

If you’ve been waiting for the right time to get involved, this is it. We must go all out for Boriken!

HUMBOLDT PARK, California & Division Intersection, Chicago, IL
Wednesday, August 5
5:00 PM CT

Show up. Bring your friends. Bring your signs. Bring your voice. The people defending Cabo Rojo and Puerto Rico need to know they’re not fighting alone.

ART BUILDOUT:
Tuesday, August 4th
4PM-9PM EST
The People’s Forum: 320 West 37th Street

See you in the streets,” said The Bori Collective on August 1, 2026.

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