WORLD CULTURES

The old notion of America as a melting pot, where immigrants are assimilated into a singular culture, has fallen away. In today’s New England, cultural diversity is respected and celebrated, even as people of different backgrounds come together within larger communities. The benefit, for both residents and visitors, is the sheer array of cuisines to savor, ethnic neighborhoods to explore, and cultural events to attend within this compact region.

In Boston, the capital of MASSACHUSETTS, the first Chinese immigrants to arrive were predominantly male laborers; now, residents are a mix of newcomers and generations-old Asian-American families. In office since 2021, Michelle Wu is Boston’s first Asian-American mayor. All this will inform your visit to Boston’s Chinatown, which traces its origins to the 1870s and is one of the oldest neighborhoods of its kind in the United States. Enjoy feasting at one of the many authentic restaurants, or schedule your visit to include the annual Chinese New Year Parade (the Lunar New Year is in January or February each year), when you’ll marvel at the pageantry of lion dancers and other performers.

RHODE ISLAND’s most evocative neighborhood is Federal Hill in Providence, which has long been the hub of the city’s Italian community. DePasquale Square—with its flowers, fountain, and European-style outdoor cafés—is the beating heart of this “Little Italy.” You’ll want to watch pasta makers at work at Venda Ravioli, taste the traditional breads and other delicacies baked in 100-year-old brick ovens at Scialo Brothers Bakery, snap photographs against the backdrop of massive painted murals, shop at Italian markets, and sip espresso drinks and nibble Italian pastries at Pastiche Fine Desserts.

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People & Cultures