From the entire Embrace team, thanks to everyone who joined us for our special third edition of Embrace Massó ¡Con Salsa! that brought Downtown Crossing to life with music, dancing, and community.
Just down the street from The Embrace monument and our new building in Downtown Crossing, we celebrated 1965 Freedom Plaza Honoree José Massó III and the 51st year of his radio show, ¡Con Salsa!, with the help of legendary orchestra El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico.
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu proclaimed September 12, 2026 as Rafael Ithier and El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico Day in the city. Meanwhile, writer, poet, and activist Yvette Modestin was presented with our Drum Major for Justice award in recognition of her dedication to highlighting the Afrodescendant experience in Latin America and beyond.
This block party rendition of Embrace’s Massó ¡Con Salsa! International Music Festival wouldn’t have been possible without our partners at Downtown Boston Alliance and the Embrace Massó ¡Con Salsa! Coalition, which brings together the leaders across Boston’s arts, cultural, education, and business sectors who breathe life into this festival.
The continued leadership and generosity of our Board of Directors, event co-chairs, and sponsors ensure that this celebration continues year after year. And a huge shout-out to the whole Embrace crew and our incredible volunteers.
All of us gathering and working together made this day the overwhelming success it was. That’s the spirit we hope to carry into the world as we kick off Hispanic Heritage Month, which will run from Tuesday through October 15. Make sure to follow us and stay tuned as we find more ways to build community and celebrate what we all share.
