Thousands gathered in the South End on Saturday to celebrate Festival Betances, a lively tribute to Latino culture that featured a parade stretching for multiple blocks, along with live music, dancing, and an array of local cuisine.
Organized for the 52nd year by Inquilinos Boricuas en Acción, a nonprofit dedicated to community development, the event drew prominent local politicians including Mayor Michelle Wu and City Councilors Julia Mejia, Henry Santana, and Ruthzee Louijeune, who paid tribute to the contributions of Puerto Rican, Caribbean, and Latin American communities to the city.
Vanessa Calderón-Rosado, CEO of Inquilinos Boricuas en Acción, emphasized the significance of the festival for the Latino community, particularly the Puerto Rican segment, saying, “This is a great tradition for the Latino community, especially for the Puerto Rican community. It’s such a family-oriented event with so much joy, so much culture, so much community.”
In her address, Mayor Wu expressed gratitude to Inquilinos Boricuas en Acción for their commitment to affordable housing, recognizing their efforts as essential in keeping residents in their homes. “This community exists because of the activists who fought for generations to come,” Wu stated. “We’re so proud to partner with you.”
The parade kicked off at Plaza Betances, winding around Villa Victoria, a community of affordable housing owned by Inquilinos Boricuas en Acción, and flowed onto Washington Street. The spectacle featured community groups displaying banners, while energetic dancers enthralled the audience with their performances. Latin American music filled the air, resonating from speakers placed in the trunks of moving vehicles.
Among the performers was 13-year-old Isabella Santana from Roxbury, who showcased a dance she practiced since March, joined by her baton team, Estrella Tropicales. Sporting a sparkly red and blue uniform with her hair tied up in a bun, Santana expressed her excitement: “This is my first ever parade. It was really cool.”
Also in attendance was Leah Ruiz-Medina, 13, from Attleboro, crowned “Teen Queen” at a recent Puerto Rican Festival pageant. Wearing a stunning red dress, silver crown, and sash, she walked confidently despite the discomfort of her heels. “It really just brings me joy to see everybody coming out here and having a fun time together,” Ruiz-Medina shared.
As the parade progressed, Puerto Rican flags adorned homes, while balloons danced in the breeze and attendees settled in plastic chairs to witness the celebration. Jorge Ortiz, 53, stood outside his home holding a dog, taking in the parade as he hosted a cookout featuring pinchos—Puerto Rican grilled chicken and pork skewers.
Back at Plaza Betances, various bands played Latin American music, drawing a small crowd to dance to the infectious drum beats. Attendees celebrated their heritage by waving Puerto Rican flags and draping them over their shoulders.
However, some participants noted the absence of a beloved tradition this year: the greased pole contest. This competition, traditionally part of the festival, involved participants climbing on one another’s shoulders to reach a flag at the top of a greased pole. According to Rosa Gonzalez, the resident ambassador of Inquilinos Boricuas en Acción, the contest was not held this year due to construction work surrounding the pole.
“One of my dear friends always would win it,” Gonzalez recalled with laughter. “It was very machismo, where men got to show their egos and their masculinity.”
Despite the omission, the festive spirit thrived. Josymir Rivera, 37, who grew up just a few doors down from the parade route, expressed her enthusiasm. “This is home for us. Honestly, (the festival) keeps us tied to our roots,” Rivera remarked, acknowledging her disappointment over not having the greased pole contest but finding joy in the overall excitement of the festival.
Jessica Ma can be reached at [email protected].
image source from：bostonglobe
