Special to the Sun
Mayor Michelle Wu and the City of Boston announced the start of Latinx Heritage Month celebrations, which will run through October. Latinx Heritage Month is celebrated annually and coincides with the Independence Day celebrations of several Latin American countries. Latinx cultures and communities are celebrated during this month to honor their contributions to the cultural fabric of Boston.
“Boston’s Latinx residents bring so much joy and rich culture to our communities,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “This month we have an exciting lineup of events to celebrate our residents’ Latinx heritage where Bostonians can learn about this incredible community and the vibrancy they bring to our city.”
“As we celebrate Latinx Heritage Month, we honor diversity within the Latinx community as our greatest strength and potential for impact,” said Chief of Equity and Inclusion Mariangely Solis Cervera. “We, Latinx people, influence culture, policy, education, and the global economy. While we celebrate our gente this month, we work with them all year long.”
To kick off the festivities, the City of Boston hosted Fiesta en la Plaza on September 15 on City Hall Plaza, organized by Ágora Cultural Architects and co-sponsored by the Cultural Affairs Office. Fiesta en la Plaza featured performances by award-winning Puerto Rican saxophonist Edmar Colón & pianist Alain Mallet, Fabiola Méndez Trio, Meta Movements dance group, and the Colombian artist Manuela Sánchez Goubert and her band.
“As a Dominican-born Latina who immigrated to Boston at a young age, Latinx Heritage Month holds a deep, personal significance for me. It’s a time to celebrate not only the richness of our diverse cultures but also the incredible contributions that Latino communities have made to this city,” said Alexandra Valdez, Director of Cultural Affairs. “The Office of Cultural Affairs plays a critical role in creating spaces where all cultures can thrive and be celebrated. We are committed to ensuring that Boston remains a place where every voice is heard, and every heritage is honored, because it is through this diversity that our city grows stronger and more vibrant.” .
The Boston Public Library will be offering resources and hosting programming throughout Latinx Heritage Month to expand opportunities for residents to learn more about Latinx culture. A full list of events and resources is available on the BPL website.
Below are other celebrations taking place through Latinx Heritage Month:
East Boston Latin Music & Dance Festival
Saturday, September 21, 1:00 – 7:00 p.m.
This event will feature Latin American music and dance, food, kids’ activities, local arts & crafts vendors, and more.
Location: East Boston Memorial Park, 143 Porter Street, East Boston
Age Strong Senior Luncheon
Wednesday, October 2, 11:00am – 2:00 p.m.
Come celebrate LatinX Heritage Month with Boston’s older residents. This is the 20th year the Age Strong Commission has hosted this event.
Location: Reggie Lewis Track Center, 1350 Tremont Street, Roxbury
City of Boston Latinx History Month Celebration
Wednesday, October 2, 4:00 – 7:00 p.m.
The Office of Cultural Affairs and Latinx Employee Resource Group will co-host a Latinx Heritage Month celebration party. The celebration will feature food, music, dance, and other resources from city departments.
Location: City Hall Plaza, 1 City Hall Square, Downtown