Boston Launches “City of Belonging” Festival to Celebrate Immigrant Heritage
As Immigrant Heritage Month approaches in June, Boston is sending a clear message to its immigrant residents: You Belong Here.
This sentiment is the cornerstone of the “City of Belonging Festival,” a series of events spanning more than a month, designed to honor and celebrate the city’s diverse immigrant communities.
A Month-Long Party of Diversity
The festival officially commenced May 21 with the unveiling of “You Belong Here” banners at City Hall. The celebrations, extending through June and July, feature a variety of events organized by the city and community partners. These include:
- A community concert
- A yoga and dance party
- A panel discussion highlighting the experiences of LGBTQ+ immigrants
Monique Tú Nguyen, executive director of the Boston Mayor’s Office for Immigrant advancement, emphasized the importance of sharing often untold stories of these immigrant community members.
Did You Know?
According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey, more than a quarter of Boston’s population was born in another country as of 2023.
Community-Led Initiatives
The Office of Immigrant Advancement is also sponsoring or endorsing at least 30 additional events organized by community partners. Throughout the festival, the office’s social media platforms will feature a “Stories of Belonging” comic series, further amplifying immigrant voices.
There’s so many great things to look forward to in this period because it highlights different pockets of our communities,said Nguyen, highlighting the festival’s diverse offerings.
Breaking Down Barriers
Nguyen hopes the festival will dismantle barriers and reassure immigrants of their place in Boston. The events that we have lined up are really designed for people to come and be in community without being concerned and wondering,’Do I belong here?’ Oftentimes,in the city of Boston,especially if you’re new here,it’s hard to make friends; it takes some time.
the festival also aims to foster understanding and thankfulness among all Bostonians, nonetheless of their background. events like the Boston Muslim Employee Resource Group’s Eid festival, a Turkish community concert, and a Vietnamese night market are designed to showcase immigrant cultures to the broader community.
We wanted to be able to break down the barriers and silos in our communities, because it’s hard to other someone if you really know them,Nguyen explained.
A Counterpoint to national Trends
The “City of Belonging festival” arrives at a time when federal policies have sought to restrict immigration. Mariangely Solis Cervera, Boston’s chief of equity and inclusion, stated, At a time when immigrant communities face uncertainty across the nation, Boston is choosing connection, compassion and celebration. The city of Belonging Festival reminds us that resilience grows stronger when we stand together, across cultures and languages.
Recent actions by the Trump governance, such as attempts to remove temporary protected status for Venezuelans and end humanitarian parole, have created uncertainty for immigrant communities. Boston has actively opposed these measures, with the city co-leading a coalition that filed a brief against revoking protections impacting 500,000 people.
Pro Tip
Stay informed about your rights! Advocates encourage immigrant communities to know their rights, especially with increased ICE activity in the Boston area.
Uplifting All Histories
We wanted to make sure that people knew, no matter what’s happening on the federal level, everywhere else, that in the city of boston, it’s where you belong,
Nguyen said. The festival aims to extend beyond Immigrant Heritage Month, promoting the idea that celebrating immigrant heritage means uplifting all of our histories.
In the city of boston, everyone comes from somewhere at one point or another,Nguyen noted.
Upcoming Events
Mark your calendars for these upcoming events hosted by the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Advancement:
- LGBTQ+ Panel: May 29, 4:30 to 7 p.m., City Hall Plaza
- Community Concert: June 12, 6 p.m., City Hall Plaza (Sofar Sounds Event)
- Yoga and Dance Party: June 29,10 a.m.to 1 p.m., City Hall Plaza (Daybreaker Event)
