Learn about the history of Broad Street, dating back to the 1700s, and its transformation in the 1960s, when Latinos began to settle, rebuild, and make La Broa' what it is today.
Living History Barrio Tour
Step into the past and walk through history with RILA with our Barrio Tours of Broad Street in South Providence, RI. Led by oral historian and RILA founder Marta V. Martínez, our guided walking tours explore the evolution of “La Broa',” from its early days in the 1700s to its vibrant transformation in the 1960s when Latino families began to settle, build businesses, and shape the cultural heartbeat of the neighborhood.
This spring, as a prelude to our summer production of La Broa', A Living History Tour is scheduled for Sat. April 18 from 4-6pm. Cost: $10 per person. You must register to attend. Only 15 spots available. NOTE: Registration for this tour will open in March 2026.
You will meet Josefina “Doña Fefa” Rosario—the legendary matriarch of Rhode Island's Dominican community—who appears in character to share first-hand stories about life on Broad Street in the 1960s and 70s. Come discover how this historic corridor became a place of home, hope, and heritage for generations of Latinos.
This spring, as a prelude to our summer production of La Broa', A Living History Tour is scheduled for Sat. April 18 from 4-6pm. Cost: $10 per person. You must register to attend. Only 15 spots available. NOTE: Registration for this tour will open in March 2026.
You will meet Josefina “Doña Fefa” Rosario—the legendary matriarch of Rhode Island's Dominican community—who appears in character to share first-hand stories about life on Broad Street in the 1960s and 70s. Come discover how this historic corridor became a place of home, hope, and heritage for generations of Latinos.
Chimi Night
Take a walk down La Broa’ with Marta V. Martínez, founder of Rhode Island Latino Arts, and experience Broad Street through the Caribbean flavors, smells and sounds of this busy street. The Chimi Tour is an invitation to explore this vibrant neighborhood, learn about its Dominican roots, and support the small businesses that have helped shape its identity.
Along the way, you’ll taste a freshly made chimi—a beloved Dominican sandwich—visit a frutería for tropical fruits and juices, and end with a sweet treat of flan from a local bakery. You will also be able to step into one of the many bodegas or find a barber or hair dresser where Latino culture is understood without explanation.
This tour is about more than food; it’s about connection, culture, and community.
Along the way, you’ll taste a freshly made chimi—a beloved Dominican sandwich—visit a frutería for tropical fruits and juices, and end with a sweet treat of flan from a local bakery. You will also be able to step into one of the many bodegas or find a barber or hair dresser where Latino culture is understood without explanation.
This tour is about more than food; it’s about connection, culture, and community.
The Chimi Tour is typically held in August. Registration for this and all Barrio Tours will open in late Spring 2026.
Read about our Chimi Truck Barrio Tour in the Providence Journal. (Photo Kris Craig, Providence Journal)
Barrio Tours run from May to September. You must register to attend
Tour dates connected to Teatro en El Verano's
adaptation of La Broa'
will be announced in April.
Cost: $10 per person
*Sat. April 18, 2026 • 4-6pm
Living History Tour: $10 per person
NOTE: We will be walking on busy sidewalks and crossing a highway overpass. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes. The tour is not appropriate for your pet or strollers.
NOTE: We need at least eight (8) people registered to hold each tour.
NO RAIN DATES
Lower Broad Street begins on Miller Ave. adjacent to the Roger Williams Park on Broad Street, and will take us to Thurbers Avenue. You will have the chance to purchase drinks or food from one of the many bodegas, fruit stands, Caribbean food eateries or Chimi Trucks.
Meet 15 minutes before the scheduled start time in the grass area of the Roger Williams Park @Broad Street entrance. The address you can use to search is 1232 Broad Street, Providence, RI 02905, and the location where we will be meeting is across from that address on Broad Street. Ample street parking is available on Miller Street or Broad Street, and also next to the tennis courts, just inside the park entrance.
Meet 15 minutes before the scheduled start time in the grass area of the Roger Williams Park @Broad Street entrance. The address you can use to search is 1232 Broad Street, Providence, RI 02905, and the location where we will be meeting is across from that address on Broad Street. Ample street parking is available on Miller Street or Broad Street, and also next to the tennis courts, just inside the park entrance.
We do not normally charge for these tours, however for the Living History and Chimi Tours, we will be asking for a donation. Both Living History Tour and the Chimi Tour are $10 and your donation will cover the cost of dinner. To confirm your participation, you can use any of the QR codes below to send your donation. And don't forget to register using the red button/link above.
Upper Broad Street starts at the intersection of Broad St. & Elmwood Ave., at the top of Grace Church Cemetery and the Southside Cultural Center. We will take you to the historic Grace Church Cemetery, the former Dogtown, the Resistance Houses, and the original site of the Latin American Community Center (LACC).
For the Upper Broad Street Tour, Meet 15 minutes before the scheduled start time at the Southside Cultural Center (SCC), 393 Broad Street, in the back parking lot. There is plenty of free parking at the SCC.
We will return to both sites at the end of the tour. The tours last between 1.5 to 2 hours.
For the Upper Broad Street Tour, Meet 15 minutes before the scheduled start time at the Southside Cultural Center (SCC), 393 Broad Street, in the back parking lot. There is plenty of free parking at the SCC.
We will return to both sites at the end of the tour. The tours last between 1.5 to 2 hours.
Barrio Tours have been made possible in part by these funders:
