Celebrating culture: Many options to observe Indigenous Peoples’ Day and Columbus Day

Residents in and around Boston will have no shortage of ways to celebrate the Indigenous Peoples’ and Columbus Day holidays, with cultural celebrations in high gear around the region Monday.

Starting Monday morning, Newton’s 4th Annual Indigenous Peoples’ Day Ceremonial Celebration will kick off at 11 a.m. and last until 5 p.m. in Albemarle Field, “rain or shine.” The “free, outdoor, family-friendly, Indigenous-led, volunteer-run” event will feature local Indigenous speaker, dancers, vendors and food.

At Tall Ship Park in East Boston, the Italian American Alliance and the National Italian American Foundation will host their third Columbus Day cultural celebration. The free event will feature Italian food, vendors, children’s activities and Italian music from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

The Emerald Necklace Conservancy in Boston will host a free Indigenous Peoples’ Day Plant and Tree Walk from 10:30 a.m. to noon Monday, with advance registration. Starting at the Shattuck Visitors Center in Fenway, Aquinnah Wampanoag artist and cultural steward Elizabeth James-Perry will lead guided, family-friendly walk around Back Bay Fens, highlighting Indigenous cultural cuisine, architectural tribal uses and responsible stewardship practices.”

Both the Museum of Fine Arts and Institute of Contemporary Arts will offer free admission on the holiday. The MFA will feature programming for Indigenous Peoples’ Day, including panels of local Indigenous leaders and workshops led by Mashpee Wampanoag and Nipmuc artists on basket making, pottery and more.

The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum will host a “Connection to Place” program for Indigenous Peoples’ Day, with art-making, storytelling, and more. Admission will be free with advanced reservations.

Cambridge will host its first Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration at University Park in Central Square all day, featuring Indigenous live music, poetry and food vendors.

The Nettukkusqk Singers present a program on their traditions and culture during an Indigenous Peoples Day celebration at the Hosmer Elementary School in Watertown, Sunday. (Photo by Jim Michaud / Boston Herald)

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