Boston’s Latin Quarter is a vibrant, diverse community in Jamaica Plain with rich history and cultural influences from the many Latinx immigrants that have called it home over the last several decades. Despite gentrification, these influences can still be felt and seen in the neighborhood’s many restaurants, barber shops, hair salons, and murals. In 2016, guided by the advocacy of Hyde Square Task Force youth, the Boston City Council designated the Hyde-Jackson Square neighborhood in Jamaica Plain as Boston’s Latin Quarter. In 2018, with support from many artists, residents, and other partners, the Massachusetts Cultural Council designated Boston’s Latin Quarter as an official Massachusetts Cultural District. The designation aims to preserve and uplift the decades of rich history and contributions of Latinx immigrants who have made our neighborhood what it is today. The City of Boston is the governing authority of Boston’s Latin Quarter and Hyde Square Task Force (HSTF) is the Managing Partner for the Latin Quarter.
Contact us at BLQ@hydesquare.org.
Image above Credit Instagram.com/charlie.rosenberg02130
In the fall of 2022, a beautiful new mural was completed at Mozart Park in the heart of Boston’s Latin Quarter. The mural was led by artist Roberto Chao in partnership with Hyde Square Task Force, and was supported by an incredible team of other local artists, cultural advisors, and volunteers. The theme of the mural is Afro-Latin Music and Dance, and there is so much rich history reflected in each of the four panels. Click here to read a more detailed description of each panel in English. Haz clic aquí para leer sobre el mural en español.
Looking for more ways to get outside and learn about the Latin Quarter? Our Latin Quarter Art Tour is the answer! Click here to access this free, self-guided audio tour. Para español, haz clic aquí.
This short documentary piece Directed by Monica Cohen and Produced by The BOOM House touches on the importance of the preservation of cultural enclaves within a city. The Latin Quarter, a Latinx neighborhood in the middle of Jamaica Plain in Boston, sets an example of community, resilience and growth. This film explores the history, the struggles and the impact such a neighborhood can have on a community, a city and most importantly, the next generation of Latinx in Boston.
Between 2010 and 2017, the number of Latinx residents living in the Latin Quarter increased from 3,269 to 3,540. The number of White and Asian residents also increased during that time.
- 50% of businesses conduct less than $500,000 in annual sales
- Most businesses employ less than 10 employees
- 95% increase in rent per square foot between 2010 and 2018
OUR VISION
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A safe, clean, and economically, racially, linguistically, and culturally diverse neighborhood;
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A dynamic, diverse business district where businesses are locally owned and managed and offer Latin foods, goods, services and specialty shops;
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A hub for developing and celebrating Latin and Afro-Latin art that creates cross-cultural artistic opportunities and supports emerging artists;
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A place to learn about the history and contributions of Latinxs in Boston and Jamaica Plain;
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A place for public art, open spaces, and lively cultural events that project Afro-Latin culture and enhance local businesses; and
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A stimulating destination place for local residents, families and tourists where all feel welcome, energized, and engaged.
BOSTON'S LATIN QUARTER: HOW WE GOT HERE
After the original push for this neighborhood to be recognized as Boston’s Latin Quarter lost momentum, Hyde Square Task Force youth were energized by the idea in response to the anti-Latinx and anti-immigrant rhetoric that they were seeing and hearing in national politics. They worked with the Boston City Council, Massachusetts Cultural Council, and other stakeholders to gain support and in 2018 Boston’s Latin Quarter became an official cultural district.
LOOKING AHEAD: OUR FOCUS
District Management
Formalize pathways for community leadership and identify revenue opportunities to support district growth.
Marketing and Branding
Support district marketing and branding, improvements, and beautification.
Public Art and Programming
Elevate and expand public art and arts & culture programming.
Advocacy
Establish partnerships for achieving development priorities, advocate for affordable and accessible housing and commercial development in the Latin Quarter, and advocate for affordable creative spaces in the Latin Quarter.
Storytelling
Expand awareness of Boston’s Latin Quarter as a hub of Latinx history and leverage historic preservation tools and resources.
Language
Promote and expand Spanish language resources.