Festival Betances: A Celebration of Latino Culture in Boston’s South End
On a vibrant Saturday, thousands gathered in Boston’s South End for the 52nd annual Festival Betances, a lively celebration of Latino culture that showcased a parade stretching multiple blocks, filled with live music, dancing, and delicious cuisine. This festival, organized by Inquilinos Boricuas en Acción, a non-profit dedicated to community development, has become a cornerstone of cultural expression for the Latino community in the area.
Honoring Community Contributions
Prominent local politicians, including Mayor Michelle Wu and City Councilors Julia Mejia, Henry Santana, and Ruthzee Louijeune, took to the stage to honor the significant contributions of Puerto Rican, Caribbean, and Latin American communities to the city. Mayor Wu expressed gratitude to Inquilinos Boricuas en Acción for their ongoing work in affordable housing, emphasizing the importance of keeping families in their homes.
“This community exists because of the activists who fought for generations to come,” Wu stated, highlighting the festival’s role in celebrating the rich heritage and resilience of the Latino community.
A Family-Oriented Celebration
Vanessa Calderón-Rosado, CEO of Inquilinos Boricuas en Acción, described the festival as a cherished tradition for the Latino community, particularly for Puerto Ricans. “It’s such a family-oriented event with so much joy, so much culture, so much community,” she said, encapsulating the spirit of the day.
The parade kicked off at Plaza Betances, winding through Villa Victoria, a community of affordable housing units, and spilling onto Washington Street. Community groups proudly carried banners, while dancers energized the crowd with their vibrant performances. Latin American music filled the air, creating an atmosphere of celebration and unity.
Young Performers Shine
Among the performers was 13-year-old Isabella Santana from Roxbury, who showcased a dance she had been perfecting since March. Dressed in a sparkly red and blue uniform, she strutted and spun alongside her baton team, Estrella Tropicales. “This is my first ever parade,” she beamed, surrounded by her teammates. “It was really cool.”
Leah Ruiz-Medina, also 13, marched proudly as the “Teen Queen” from the Puerto Rican Festival in Massachusetts. Wearing a stunning red dress and a silver crown, she expressed her joy at participating in the festivities, saying, “It really just brings me joy to see everybody coming out here and having a fun time together.”
Community Spirit and Festive Atmosphere
As the parade progressed, Puerto Rican flags adorned homes, balloons danced in the breeze, and attendees settled into plastic chairs to enjoy the festivities. Jorge Ortiz, 53, stood outside his home with his dog, watching the parade pass by while hosting a cookout featuring pinchos—Puerto Rican grilled chicken and pork skewers.
Back at Plaza Betances, bands played lively Latin American music, drawing a small crowd to dance to the infectious rhythms. Attendees waved Puerto Rican flags, some draping them around their shoulders, embodying the pride and joy of the occasion.
A Nod to Tradition
While the festival was filled with excitement, some attendees expressed nostalgia for the greased pole contest, a beloved tradition from past festivals. This competition involved participants climbing onto each other’s shoulders to reach a flag atop a greased pole, showcasing both skill and camaraderie. Rosa Gonzalez, the resident ambassador of Inquilinos Boricuas en Acción, explained that the contest was not held this year due to construction surrounding the pole. “One of my dear friends always would win it,” she reminisced, laughing about the machismo spirit it brought out.
Connecting to Roots
Despite the absence of the greased pole contest, the festival’s spirit remained vibrant. Josymir Rivera, 37, who grew up just a few doors down from the parade route, reflected on the significance of the event. “This is home for us. Honestly, (the festival) keeps us tied to our roots,” she said, emphasizing the importance of cultural celebrations in maintaining community connections.
Anticipation for Future Celebrations
As the day unfolded, the energy of Festival Betances resonated throughout the South End, reinforcing the bonds of community and culture. Attendees left with smiles, memories, and a renewed sense of pride in their heritage, eagerly anticipating the next opportunity to come together and celebrate their vibrant Latino culture.
