Bio

The Puerto Rican Festival of Massachusetts is the longest-running cultural celebration of its kind in New England, founded in 1967 to honor Puerto Rican heritage and build community across the Commonwealth.

Rooted in Boston’s South End, the festival began as a grassroots effort led by Puerto Rican pioneers under the leadership of Jorge “Chico” Muñoz. What started as a small gathering in Blackstone Park with 2,500 attendees has grown into a vibrant nonprofit organization that hosts large-scale cultural events, youth programs, and community initiatives.

The festival’s mission is to promote cultural affirmation, unity, and pride among Puerto Ricans in Massachusetts. Each year, it features live music, dance, food, and art that reflect the island’s rich traditions—while also serving as a platform for education, service, and civic engagement.