2019 Hispanic Heritage Month In Philadelphia

When Philadelphia honors Hispanic Heritage Month, the city starts the festivities early. The national celebration, officially from September 15 through October 15, begins a week early in Philly Centro de Oro’s neighborhood-centric Feria del Barrio. Next up: Mexican Independence Day Festival, also on Penn’s Landing and the Puerto Rican Day Parade on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Throughout, the Philadelphia International Unity Cup shows off the city’s international fútbol clubs.

Festivals, Food & Fun:

• La Ofrenda (The Offering) – Artist César Viveros’ walk-in altar fills an otherwise unoccupied storefront along the 9^th Street Italian Market. Hundreds of flowers, along with Catholic, Yoruba and personal iconography collected from 50 Latinx Philadelphians primarily from South Philly’s Mexican community, fill the spiritual, colorful monument. An open house on September 26 and a September 28 performance further activate the space. Through September 30. 1135 S. 9^th Street, (215) 726-1106, folkloreproject.org
• Feria del Barrio – This free alfresco celebration of Latino art and culture, now in its 35^th year, takes place in the heart of the Centro de Oro along the Bloque de Oro. Thousands attend the rich, family-friendly event, featuring live music and dance, crafts, face-painting, art and, of course, food. September 8. 2600 5^th Street to Somerset Street, (215) 426-3311, feriadelbarrio.org
• Welcoming Week – The City of Philadelphia Office of Immigrant Affairs partners with more than 30 community organizations for 10 days to honor the city’s multiculturalism. The week’s aim: Engage immigrant communities like Philly’s Latino neighbors and neighborhoods, with a variety of to-be-announced events. September 13-22.  Various locations. phila.gov/welcoming-week
• Mexican Independence Day – Penn’s Landing’s free, family-friendly celebration is an afternoon of traditional food, live rock, indigenous dancing, authentic crafts and take-notice face painting. September 15. Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing, Columbus Boulevard at Walnut Street, (215) 592-0141, delawareriverwaterfront.com
• Puerto Rican Day Parade –This year’s parade along the historic Benjamin Franklin Parkway adopts the theme “the Taino Warrior within.” More than 1,500 marchers dance, play music and wave from floats and cars for thousands of spectators. Afterwards, an alfresco party takes place in Centro de Oro. September 29. Parade, Benjamin Franklin Parkway from 18^th to 26^th Street; party, American Street and Lehigh Avenue, (215) 627-3100, elconcilio.net

Arts, Awards & Sports:

• Look Up! Look In & Los Trompos – Commonwealth Plaza in the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts offers a free dual exhibition featuring 10 colorful, multi-shaped 3D spinning tops (Los Trompos) made from a traditional weave fabric by Mexican designers Héctor Esrawe and Ignacio Cadena. Overhead, companion exhibition Look Up! Look In (Papel Picado, or perforated paper) displays 53 hand-cut aerial paper panels inspired by Aztec art from San Salvador Huixcolotla, created by Mexican Philadelphian artist Karina Puente. Through November 17. 300 S. Broad Street, (215) 790-5800, kimmelcenter.org
• Philadelphia International Unity Cup – Now in its fourth year, this World Cup-style tournament shows off the soccer skills of Philadelphia’s immigrant communities over four August weekends before culminating in to-be-determined quarter, semi-final and championship matches. Among teams representing Africa, the Americas, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe and the Middle East, participating Latino teams include Argentina, Belize, Brazil, Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Puerto Rico and Venezuela. September 14-15, 21 or 22 (TBD), 28 or 29 (TBD); finals, October 12. phila.gov
• Orqueta Romántica Milonguera – The world’s reigning tango orchestra, featuring singers Roberto Minondi and Hache de Huilen, performs two sets as part of the Philadelphia Argentine Tango School’s 12-hour milonga (tango dance). The sundown to sunrise event takes place in Port Richmond’s Lithuanian Music Hall Association and includes live and DJ’ed music and workshops for beginner to experienced tango dancers. September 21-22. 2715 E. Allegheny Avenue, (617) 291-3798, philadelphiatangoschool.com
• Samuel Lind: Portales – Centro de Oro’s Taller Puertorriqueño debuts paintings and sculpture by renowned Puerto Rican artist Samuel Lind in an exhibition that emphasizes respecting the environment, climate change and spiritual awakening. Year-round, the Centro de Oro venue offers educational and socially conscious programs for adults and children. September 6-November 9. 2600 5^th Street, (215) 426-3311, tallerpr.org
• Puerto Rican Festival Awards Gala – Glitter and glamour pepper this celebration of accomplishments of Philly community leaders, social activists and trendsetters during this annual must-attend evening. Live music and dancing are, naturally, included. September 21. El Concilio Banquet Hall, 141 E. Hunting Park Avenue, (215) 627-3100, elconcilio.net
• La NOCHE – Commonwealth Plaza on the Kimmel Center Cultural Campus presents its monthly Monday night house band to perform Latino rhythm and funk to a crowd that enjoys dancing. Special guest on September 30: Cuban singer Xiomara Laugart. 300 S. Broad Street, (215) 790-5800, kimmelcenter.org
• Songs You Left Behind – The Kimmel Center also presents a free evening performance that invites Latinx families of all ages and backgrounds to share stories and songs that represent their cultures and places of origin. October 3. 300 S. Broad Street, (215) 790-5800, kimmelcenter.org

VISIT PHILADELPHIA^® is our name and our mission. As the region’s official tourism marketing agency, we build Greater Philadelphia’s image, drive visitation and boost the economy.

On Greater Philadelphia’s official visitor website and blog, ,visitphilly.com and uwishunu.com, visitors can explore things to do, upcoming events, themed itineraries and hotel packages. Compelling photography and videos, interactive maps and detailed visitor information make the sites effective trip-planning tools. Along with Visit Philly social media channels, the online platforms communicate directly with consumers. Travelers can also call and stop into the Independence Visitor Center for additional information and tickets.