Explore Latino Philadelphia

Philly’s Hispanic and Latino cultures run deep.

As of 2024, Latinos make up 16% of Philadelphia’s population and remain the city’s fastest-growing demographic — with Philly’s Latino influence being an essential part of the city’s nationally recognized arts and culinary scenes.

Philly’s Latino Community

Philadelphia has been a haven for migrants from Mexico and Puerto Rico since the late 19th century. The city’s Latino population has since expanded to include people from the Dominican Republic, Colombia and many other South American, Central American and Caribbean countries.

Today, Philly’s vibrant Latino community can be found in all neighborhoods, with cultural hubs around areas like the South 9th Street Italian Market in South Philadelphia and Fairhill’s El Centro de Oro (“The Golden Block”).

Arts & Culture

Latino contributions are everywhere in Philly.

El Centro de Oro’s island aesthetic features brightly painted buildings and murals, with sidewalks highlighted by distinctive golden-road markings and a street dotted with 15-foot-tall steel palm trees.

Community organizations like Taller Puertorriqueño and Esperanza Arts Center support Latino arts in Philly through neighborhood development, business promotion, live performances, art galleries and the preservation of Latino history and culture.

Julia de Burgos Bookstore at Taller Puertorriqueño   — Photo by Visit Philadelphia

Plus, Latino entrepreneurs thrive in Philly, with businesses offering everything from curated artisan crafts (ChocoArte) and gourmet sauces (FAIYA) to small-batch wine (Mural City Cellars) and more.

Top-Tier Dining

Philly is home to cutting-edge, James Beard Award-winning cuisine thanks in large part to the city’s diverse culinary scene.

Heavy hitters like chef Cristina Martinez (Casa Mexico, South Philly Barbacoa), chef Dionicio Jiminez (Cantina La Martina, La Placita) and other restaurateurs make Philly’s Latin cuisine — Puerto Rican, Mexican, Argentine and more — some of the best in the region.

South Philly Barbacoa (Casa México)   — Photo by S. Ramones for Visit Philadelphia

Major Annual Events

Philly knows how to throw a party, and you can look forward to major Latino culture fests throughout the year.

Popular annual events include La Feria del Barrio, the massive Puerto Rican Day Parade, South Philly’s Carnaval de Puebla, the summertime Hispanic Fiesta, the Mexican Independence Day Festival and the twice-per-year Dine Latino Restaurant Week. Plus, the city goes big for Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations each fall.

Mexican Independence Day Festival   — Photo by M. Stanley for Delaware River Waterfront Corporation