Explore The World Without Leaving Massachusetts
Many think you need to take a flight to explore a new culture. However, in my home state of Massachusetts, that is not necessarily the case. Here are four of the most interesting ethnic enclaves in the Bay State:
TRAVEL
James Kirk
8/23/20263 min read
Boston's Chinatown
My first trip to Chinatown was when I was in middle school. I remember feeling blown away by the signs in foreign languages, grocery stores with items I had never seen, and restaurants with unfamiliar foods. I found the concept of an ethnic enclave in the middle of an American city fascinating. It blew my mind how for 10ish blocks you are surrounded by Chinese culture, and then you are thrown back into the corporate skyscrapers, American chains, and mostly English signage of the rest of Boston. After my first trip, I would always beg my parents to let us stop in Chinatown when I was in the city. From ages 12 to about 15, nothing made me happier than buying cute stationary and browsing the Chinese market for foreign candies. To this day, whenever I am in Boston for more than a couple days, I never miss a trip to the neighborhood.
Holyoke
Holyoke will always have a massive piece of my heart. It is the city I studied for my final project to complete my Spanish major during college. This gave me the opportunity to research and gain an understanding of the community's history. For those who do not know, Holyoke is home to the highest concentration of Puerto Ricans outside of the island. Throughout the city, especially in South Holyoke and Downtown, the Puerto Rican identity is reflected everywhere you turn. You will find domino tables, colorful murals, wonderful panaderías, and Latin music playing throughout the neighborhood. I especially love how on both High and Main street there are buildings that replicate the colonial homes you find in Old San Juan. Two of my favorite places to stop are Old San Juan Bakery and Crave Holyoke. However, there are so many others on my list to try.
Framingham
I grew up only 20 minutes from Framingham, but did not appreciate what the city had to offer until I was older. Framingham is the heartbeat of Massachusetts' Brazilian community. The city is filled with signage in Portuguese and local Brazilian businesses. Remember to always come to hungry, start with an açai bowl, then try some Brazilian barbecue, and finish at a bakery with a strong coffee and a dessert you have never had before. I have studied Portuguese on and off for almost 10 years, and although I have never stuck with it enough to achieve fluency, I sometimes work up the courage to practice. Whenever I have, I am always really well received and treated very patiently by the community. Recently when I was Downtown during the World Cup, clothing stores were displaying jerseys in their windows and I saw more Brazilian flags waving than ever before.
Fall River
Massachusetts is home to many Portuguese enclaves. However, being it is the most Portuguese city in the US, today I will highlight Fall River. Having visited Portugal three times myself, there are actually some interesting ways Fall River compares. First, the city sits right on the ocean and is quite hilly. In that way it reminds me of the Azores, Lisbon, and Porto. Second, Fall River has at least one delicious bakery in every neighborhood. This is a common feature you will also find in Portugal. Third, I find both Fall River and many Portuguese cities to full or character, charming, and a little bit rough around the edges. Some of the best spots in the city to explore the Portuguese heritage are Portugalia Marketplace, Columbia Street, and the Gates of the City (pictured above). Fall river is also not alone, nearby New Bedford has a beautiful historic downtown with many Portuguese businesses. Tia Maria's European Cafe is a must stop!