Boston’s Latin Quarter growing in popularity as cultural district

By Mike Sullivan, WBZ-TV

BOSTON, — A mural is taking form in what is known as Boston’s Latin quarter in Jamaica Plain. It is an ode to Afro-Latin music.

“To me, that is the center of the Latin neighborhood in Boston. It is the center,” mentioned the lead artist on the mural, Roberto Chao. “It is not a race, it is a tradition, by means of our language, it is a tradition.”

The mural goes up within the space of Hyde and Jackson Sq.. 4 years in the past, town named the neighborhood the Latin Quarter. Chao mentioned the Hyde Sq. Job Pressure had a significant hand in getting the identify designation. They’re additionally the group sponsoring the mural at Mozart Park. It options 46 portraits of Latino and African-American artists and musicians.

“Jose Masso from Puerto Rico is the primary MC in New England,” mentioned Chao. “Folks will come, and they’ll see their heroes.”

Chao referred to as it a historical past lesson for the youthful generations. He has lived within the Latin quarter because the ’80s. 

Ivan Richiez can also be engaged on the mural and has lived within the neighborhood.

“It feels actual communal the second you hit the rotary over there,” mentioned Richiez. “It is positively a cultural hotbed, and there are lots of companies thriving right here.”

The success of Latino-owned companies is drifting into neighboring areas too. Juicygreens is a Latino-owned wellness cafe and juice bar simply outdoors of the quarter.

“It encourages different folks to have folks of their very own ethnicity doing issues like this and opening companies,” mentioned Kimberly Ponce with Juicygreens.

The mural continues to be a piece in progress. Will probably be unveiled on November 5 between 1 and three pm. The celebration will characteristic quite a few artists who seem within the mural.