The annual Puerto Rican Festival of Massachusetts has been a tradition since 1967, but this year, the event holds even greater significance to local Puerto Ricans as the U.S. territory continues to recover after Hurricane Maria.
The free and public festival begins this evening at 6 p.m. at Boston City Hall Plaza with live musical performances and will continue on at noon on Saturday and Sunday with more music, Latin food stands, amusement rides and souvenir tents.
The three-day event will also feature a parade on Sunday with marching bands, dancers and musical floats. The parade will start at Hynes Convention Center and end at City Hall Plaza.
In addition, a Latino Health Fair will be on site on Saturday from 1 to 5 p.m. with representatives from local organizations who will distribute educational materials and conduct health screenings.
The festival is an opportunity for people from all over New England to celebrate the culture and history of Puerto Rico, as well as pay tribute to the perseverance of its residents amidst financial and natural disaster calamities.
Mayor Martin J. Walsh and other elected officials raised the Puerto Rican flag at City Hall Plaza on Monday to signal the upcoming festival and honor the victims of Hurricane Maria.
Puerto Rican Festival of Massachusetts, July 27 – 29, Boston City Hall Plaza.
