Ways to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in Philadelphia

Looking for ways to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in Philadelphia? We’ve got you covered. 

Dine Latino Restaurant Week 

The Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce has announced details for another go-around of Dine Latino Restaurant Week, which kicks off this year on Sept. 18 and will run until Sept. 22. 

The celebration of culture will include an expansive list of new and returning participating restaurants in and around the city of Philadelphia, as a diverse offering of Latino-owned and operated locations provide a broad array of culinary styles beyond traditional Latino cuisine, cites the release. Ultimately, the five-day culinary event will offer patrons one complimentary appetizer or dessert with the purchase of two dinner entrees. 

A full list of participating spots around the city and more information can be found online. And for those who are looking to get a bit deeper into the festivities, the GPHCC will also be hosting an event on Sept. 21—a Chef’s Tasting with author, Ronit Treatman and Liliana Friesel Elkouss, from 6 to 8 p.m. at La Cucina at the Market. 

philahispanicchamber.org

Souletri Fest

This multidisciplinary arts festival will take place on Saturday, Oct. 7 in the heart of el barrio. The activation will feature three stages at the LightHouse Field Sports Complex highlighting poetry, spoken word, musical theater, storytelling, visual arts, dance, and more in an outdoor community space from noon to 6 p.m. on that date. 

Philadelphians can bring a blanket or chair to sit back and enjoy the performances, or, check out the children’s area for games, a jam session with Karen Smith, performances for babies and toddlers by Ninth Planet, face painting and more. 

199 E Erie Ave., powerstreettheatre.com

El Mercado Cultural at Cherry Street Pier

On Saturday, Sept. 16, from noon to 5 p.m., this Latin arts and crafts pop-up market will feature handmade goods and clothing, food by Philly Tacos, and other local creations. The event will also feature family-friendly art making activities at the ColorWheels van and other pay-as-you-go food and merchandise. 

121 N. Christopher Columbus Blvd., cherrystreetpier.com

FDR Park

There are a few ways to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in Philadelphia at FDR Park in South Philly. For one, visitors at any level can learn salsa and bachata every 2nd and 4th Friday at the Park’s boathouse from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m., followed by a social dance from 8:30 to 11:30 p.m. 

Or, Philadelphians can check out the first-ever film series in FDR park presented entirely in Spanish (with English subtitles) with a food and craft market featuring local vendors from the Latino community. The first night in the series will be on Sunday, Sept. 24 with a showing of ‘Maya and the Three’, followed by a showing of ‘Vivo’ on Oct. 8, and a showing of ‘Coco’ to finish it off on Oct. 15. Anyone interested can check online for market and show times. 

And finally, there will be the La Gran Fiesta De Los Muertos on Saturday, Oct. 21, from 6 to 9 p.m. While there, participants will learn about the traditions and artistic practices of Mexico’s Día de los Muertos, including a performance from an Aztec dance group, a special sugar skull-making workshop, and an altar-building demonstration using architectural elements of the historic FDR Boathouse. The event is free but requires an RSVP. 

1500 Pattison Ave., myphillypark.org

Puerto Rican Day Parade on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway

On Sunday, Sept. 24, thousands of spectators will line the Benjamin Franklin Parkway for this annual parade and celebration of Latino culture. As a release states, the event will feature more than 1,500 marchers making their way down the parkway performing traditional Latino music, poetry and dance with the theme for this year being, “A Celebration of Latino Culture in the Heart of the City.”

elconcilio.net

Latinx Industry Night 

Held at the recently opened rum bar and restaurant, Bolo, Latinx Industry Night will feature a line-up of guest bartenders representing the Caribbean and South American diaspora on Monday, Oct. 2, beginning at 8:30 p.m. While there, Philadelphians can sip on libations made by Tony Jimenez of Post Haste and 1 Tippling Place, David Rodriguez of Charlie was a sinner., Adrienne Gomez-Saddler of Jean-Georges Philadelphia, Four Seasons, and Alexander Lebron of Vintage Wine Bar.

Each bartender will craft an exclusive cocktail inspired by their culture and patria, a release states. This installment also celebrates the launch of Tenango Rum from Philadelphia’s Chef Sofia Deleon (from El Merkury). Latinx Industry Night will be open to the public and free to attend with pay-as-you-go food and beverage for all in attendance. 

2025 Sansom St., bolophl.com

Sor Ynez 

To celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in Philadelphia, Sor Ynez will be serving Mexico’s national dish, Chile en Nogada, all month long. As a release states, this traditional Mexican dish is tied to Mexico’s War of Independence and was created at the very beginning of Mexico’s independent life and features a sweet mix of fruits and seeds, topped with a nut sauce and pomegranate seeds. Note, both a duck and vegan version will also be made of the dish. 

Additionally, Philadelphians can head to Sor Ynez this Saturday, Sept. 16, (Mexican Independence Day) while Sor Ynez hosts an acoustic artist while diners enjoy additional food and drink specials in celebration of the holiday.  

 1800 N American St., sorynez.com

Philadelphia Ballet

There are two reasons to check out the Ballet for Hispanic Heritage Month in Philadelphia. First, on Friday, Sept. 22, the Philadelphia Ballet will once again partner with Esperanza Arts Center for an evening of intimate performances and conversation featuring Latinx principal dancers of the company, according to a release. 

And secondly, spectators can also head to the Ballet to check out the World Premiere of Angel Corella’s ‘Carmen’, which will run from Oct. 5 to 15. 

philadelphiaballet.org