Follow the Footprints: Visit Philadelphia Unveils 11 Installations Honoring Hispanic and Latino Changemakers

PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 19, 2026 — Today, Visit Philadelphia launched Las Huellas, a self-guided audio trail that brings to life the stories of Hispanic and Latino changemakers, past and present. Meaning “the footprints” in English, Las Huellas features 11 footprint-shaped installations at well-known landmarks and beloved community destinations throughout Philadelphia.

The featured changemakers include award-winning chefs, artists, community advocates and civic leaders whose contributions have helped shape Philadelphia and the nation. Their stories come to life at familiar restaurants, museums, neighborhood landmarks and cultural institutions, inviting residents and visitors to discover the people behind these places while exploring the city.

Visitors can scan a QR code at each installation to hear the featured changemaker’s story in English or Spanish. The experience is available through November 19, 2026.

“Philadelphia would not be what it is today without the contributions of our Hispanic and Latino communities,” said Daniel Davis, director of cultural marketing at Visit Philadelphia. “We chose footprints because they represent the mark someone leaves behind. Through Las Huellas, we’re giving residents and visitors a chance to discover the people who helped shape our city, explore the places connected to their stories and see how much Hispanic and Latino culture has shaped the history of Philadelphia and the nation.”

Local Artists Bring the Stories to Life

Each Las Huellas installation features original artwork created by three Philadelphia-based artists: Cindy Lozito, Manuela Guillén and Fabiola Lara. Their colorful designs reflect the stories and contributions of the featured changemakers, bringing their stories to life in public spaces across the city.

Lozito, whose murals and illustrations appear throughout the city, is also one of the artists behind Philadelphia’s Klokken in heel Pennsylvania installations for America250. Guillén has collaborated with brands including Starbucks, while Lara is known for her playful illustrations and mini-print vending machines throughout Philadelphia.

Members of Philadelphia’s Hispanic and Latino communities, including some of the featured changemakers themselves, also lent their voices to the audio stories.

”People walk past these places every day without realizing the history behind them,” said Jennifer Rodriguez, president of the Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and one of the voices featured in the audio experience. “You may not be able to walk a mile in someone’s shoes, but Las Huellas allows you to anchor yourself in the places they made history happen and learn how they paved the way for others.”

Meet the Changemakers

Located outside businesses, attractions and landmarks throughout the city, the installations invite people to stop, discover a new story and explore the places around them.

1. Cristina Martinez founded South Philly Barbacoa, bringing the traditional slow-cooked Mexican dish to a global audience.
   Footprint: South Philly Barbacoa, 1134 S. 9 Street
2. Diego Rivera, one of history’s most influential muralists, helped shape Philadelphia’s artistic legacy.
   Footprint: Mural Arts Philadelphia headquarters, 1727-29 Mount Vernon Street
3. Dr. Carmen Febo San Miguel helped build Taller Puertorriqueño, Pennsylvania’s largest Puerto Rican and Latino arts organization; she served as chair of its board of directors for 14 years and executive director for 22 years.
   Footprint: Taller Puertorriqueño, 2600 N. 5th Street
4. Dr. Carlos Martínez Rivera developed a conservation safety net to help protect a Caribbean frog species from extinction.
   Footprint: The Franklin Institute, 222 N. 20th Street
5. Enerolina Melendez has led the Dominican Grocers Association since 2023, building on more than two decades of community involvement. Since 1998, she has advocated for neighborhood bodegas and small-business owners, representing thousands of local businesses.
   Footprint: Dilworth Park, near 15th Street & John F. Kennedy Boulevard
6. Iris Brown and Tomasita Romero, alongside Grupo Motivos, united Puerto Rican women in the early 1980s to create vibrant community spaces where children and neighbors could gather, connect and thrive.
   Footprint: Las Parcelas, 2248 N. Palethorp Street
7. Jesse Bermudez founded Philadelphia’s Asociación de Músicos Latino Americanos (AMLA) and supported Latino music and arts education for more than 40 years.
   Footprint: Painted Bride Art Center, 4029 Cambridge Street
8. José Garces, an Iron Chef and James Beard Award-winning chef, helped introduce Philadelphia diners to new Latin flavors and culinary traditions.
   Footprint: Amada, 217-219 Chestnut Street
9. Judge Nelson Díaz authored the Díaz opinion, which helped reshape federal housing policy and advance mixed-income communities.
   Footprint: Dilworth Park, 1 S. 15th Street
10. Sofia Deleon founded El Merkury, introducing more Philadelphians to Central American street food.
    Footprint: Reading Terminal Market, 1136 Arch Street
11. Rev. Luis Cortés Jr. founded Esperanza in 1986, expanding access to education, jobs and affordable housing in Hunting Park.
    Footprint: Esperanza Arts Center, 4261 N. 5th Street

Bonus online story: Luis “Lou” Castro became the first Hispanic player in Major League Baseball in 1902. His story is featured online because Shibe Park, later known as Connie Mack Stadium, is no longer standing. Though the original ballpark is gone, Castro’s contribution to baseball history remains an important part of Las Huellas.

Part of Visit Philadelphia’s Indivisible Series

Las Huellas is the latest installment in Visit Philadelphia’s Ondeelbaar series, which celebrates the cultural history of Philadelphia and the nation during America’s 250th anniversary, highlighting the people and communities whose contributions have helped shape our shared history.

Visit Philadelphia committed 25% of its 2026 marketing budget to reaching diverse audiences. Paid advertising to support the initiative will reach audiences in Philadelphia, New York City, Baltimore and Washington, D.C., through streaming platforms and social media.

For the complete audio experience and more information about the featured changemakers, visit visitphilly.com/huellas.

Over Visit Philadelphia: 

Visit Philadelphia® is zowel onze naam als onze missie. Als officieel bureau voor toeristische marketing van de regio werken we aan het imago van Greater Philadelphia, stimuleren we het toerisme en geven we de economie een impuls. Op de officiële toeristenwebsite van Greater Philadelphia, visitphilly.com, kunnen bezoekers ontdekken wat er te doen is, welke evenementen er op het programma staan, thematische reisroutes en hotelarrangementen. 

Aantrekkelijke foto's en video's, interactieve kaarten en gedetailleerde bezoekersinformatie maken de site tot een effectief hulpmiddel voor reisplanning. Bezoekers kunnen ook veel inspiratie vinden op de sociale media van Visit Philly. kanalen.  

Noot voor de redactie: Ga voor foto's in hoge resolutie en B-rolls in hoge definitie van Greater Philadelphia naar de sectie Foto's & Video's van visitphilly.com/mediacenter.

Het werk van Visit Philadelphia wordt ondersteund door verschillende financieringspartners, waaronder de staat Pennsylvania. BezoekPA.nl.

###