Latinx Heritage Night was hosted by the MFA Sept. 21, celebrating the diverse Latinx culture and kicking off Hispanic Heritage Month.
With a minimum $5, pay-what-you-want admission, art-goers were able to catch a live band, explore Latinx art history, talk with artists and even do their own watercolor painting.
At the center of it all, in the Shapiro Family Courtyard, live bands were performing classic Hispanic music, and people were encouraged to dance along. The dance floor was lively and energetic, filled with families, couples and everyone in between.
With a self-guided map, patrons could walk through the exhibits to see the history of Latinx Heritage in the Americas. Every exhibit had a brief description of the importance and history of Hispanic culture and the impact it had on the Americas.
At some galleries, people were encouraged to sit and talk about the art with professionals to learn the in-depth history of certain pieces. A highlighted talk, “Artists and Landscapes of the Caribbean,” with Puerto Rican artist Miguel Trelles, featured pieces done by Francisco Oller and raised the question of why his art still matters today. Two sessions were held, one for English-speaking patrons and the other for Spanish-speaking patrons.
If museum-goers were running on an empty stomach, the New American Cafe held a Latinx-inspired menu along with Taste, which had Hispanic-inspired cocktails and pupusas. Those who dined at the New American Cafe were accompanied by live music and dancing in the courtyard.
For those looking to delve deeper into the art world, watercolor artmaking was happening in the Linde Family Wing. The unique activity not only gave guests a hands-on activity, but it also kept the night active, indulging people in the rich history. Making landscape artwork was encouraged, but guests had free will to paint what they pleased.
In the Shapiro Family Courtyard, representatives from the MFA and partners had stands set up to educate visitors on the culture and learn more about the resources they offer. Some partners included the Boston Latin Quarter, Amplify Latinx, Inquilinos Boricuas en Acción and more.
The MFA hosted multiple performers, including DJ Montro, a DJ from the Dominican Republic who brought all kinds of Latinx music to the stage, and Manolo Mairena, a salsa singer accompanied by his orchestra. Both artists brought high energy and lively music for everyone to dance to. SambaViva, a Brazilian dance group that showed guests the deep culture of Brazil, left everyone tapping their feet.
Hyde Square Task Force, Jóvenes en Acción, a youth art organization focused on teaching Afro-Latin culture, also performed music and dance from Puerto Rican culture. In June, members of the Hyde Square Task Force uncovered the inequitable pricing of Stop & Shop groceries in Jackson Square compared to an affluent suburb.
The MFA does not have any more specific Latinx events for the month, but guests can still view the exhibits that represent Hispanic history and culture.
