In 2025, Holyoke became the second city in the United States to receive a designated Puerto Rican Cultural District; the first being in Chicago.
This recognition formalized what the community has known for decades: Holyoke is a center of Puerto Rican diaspora life.
Many families began arriving in the 1950s for mill work. Larger waves came in the 1970s and 80s, many from Salinas, Puerto Rico.
Today, Holyoke is proudly the sister city of Salinas.
Recently, city officials traveled to Salinas, where they were invited by the Mayor for a friendly volleyball competition, a symbolic and joyful exchange that Holyoke won. More importantly, it strengthened cultural ties and inspired tourism and community-building ideas for both cities.
Maria’s Walking Tours:
To understand this history, many turn to Maria Salgado Cartagena, local storyteller and historian, who leads walking tours of South Holyoke’s Puerto Rican diaspora experience, sharing intergenerational stories of struggle, triumph, migration, and resilience.
International Volleyball Hall of Fame:
Visitors can explore a special exhibit honoring Puerto Rican volleyball players and history, curated in collaboration with collector Jimmy Camacho. Holyoke isn’t just a place where Puerto Ricans live.
It’s a place where Puerto Rican culture evolves.