This
year we celebrate the theme I am Villa
Victoria with three days of free and
fun events that include: concerts; dance performances;
family and youth activities; traditional foods and
arts & crafts that highlight the diversity of
Latino culture. Featured
Performers: LARRY HARLOW and the SPANISH HARLEM ORCHESTRA.
JULY
15, 16 & 17
Plaza Betances, 100 West Dedham St., Boston, MA 02118 Click here for
directions
FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
For
more information or to volunteer, please call (617)
927-1707
DONATE
NOW!
All contributions to IBA are tax-deductible
(EIN#: 23-7102740) to the greatest extent of the law.
Dr.
Ramón Emeterio Betances
Dr. Ramón Emeterio Betances was born April
8, 1827 in Puerto Rico. He studied medicine in Paris
and upon returning to Puerto Rico he was recognized
for his contributions to fighting the cholera epidemic
on the island. After founding the San Andrés
Hospital, he turned his pursuits to the abolition
of slavery. His pro-independence stance as well as
his proposal for an Antillean Federation of free people
forced him into exile in the Dominican Republic. While
in exile he organized patriotic groups, and returned
to Puerto Rico to become the leader of the uprising
of September 23, 1868, known as “El Grito de
Lares.” Although the insurrection at Lares was
a military failure, it became a historical landmark
in bringing about an awakening in the national consciousness
of Puerto Rico. Betances is revered as one of the
foremost intellectuals of the 19th century. He died
in exile in Paris, France on September 16, 1898.
Inspired
by the life and struggles of Betances, residents of
Villa Victoria created the Betances mural which is
located in Plaza Betances. The mural is a mosaic that
contains a portrait of Betances, the flag of the Lares
insurrection, and scenes from the history, fauna and
flora of Puerto Rico. The mural also depicts the culture
and historical influences of Puerto Rico in Boston.
“I
believe in the equality of our rights with all civilized
peoples. The powerful are only powerful because we
are in our knees. Let us rise!”…
LARRY
HARLOW, SAT., JULY 16, 7:30PM
Larry Harlow is a true living legend of Afro-Cuban
music. Born in Brooklyn, New York. "El Judio
Maravilloso," as his colleagues affectionately
call him, completely revolutionized what is known
today as Salsa. Harlow developed the explosive trumpet/trombone
sound of the contemporary salsa bands in the early
70's. He was the first to introduce the sacred Batá
drums of the Yoruba religion in Cuba to secular Afro-Cuban
dance music in NYC. Harlow is the producer/pianist
for the legendary Fania All-Stars. For Fania records,
he has produced over 260 CD's. He also has been nominated
three times for Grammy Awards and has received numerous
awards and recognitions during his impressive artistic
career in the Salsa and Latin Jazz world.
SPANISH
HARLEM ORCHESTRA, SUN., JULY 17, 5:30PM
Now in its tenth year, the Grammy-winning and all-star
Spanish Harlem Orchestra is one of the most formidable
and authentic Salsa combos of the present day. Yet
for all of its appeal and success with contemporary
audiences, their success is actually rooted in the
past. The 13-piece collective owes its front-line
status to an unwavering respect for the music’s
rich history and a tenacious adherence to the music’s
enduring traditions. Founded by the internationally
acclaimed pianist, composer, arranger and producer
Oscar Hernández, the Spanish Harlem Orchestra
celebrates that musical and cultural legacy with Viva
La Tradición, their newest release.
Every
year, the success of Festival Betances depends on
the amount of volunteers that collaborate with us
to make it a great experience for all. Please consider
joining us to make this the best Festival Betances
ever!
To volunteer or for more information about
volunteer opportunities, please contact us at (617)
927-1724 or epabon@iba-etc.org.
