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PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 8 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ -- A major art exhibition, a Puerto Rican parade and grassroots community events are all in the works for Philadelphia's Hispanic Heritage Month celebration, taking place from September 15 to October 15, 2008. Those wishing to experience the culture and charisma of the city's lively Latino community will find plenty of activities to choose from throughout the month. Here's a look:
Events:
-- Taller Puertorriqueno's annual Feria del Barrio is one of Philadelphia's largest celebrations of Latino music and culture, bringing together thousands of residents to celebrate 25 years of arts, education and community. Objectivo Fama winner and salsero Marlon will headline this free, family-friendly event, taking place on September 7. (215) 426-3311, www.tallerpr.org
-- Philadelphia celebrates Mexican Independence Day with a festival at Penn's Landing on Sunday, September 14. The finale of the popular PECO Multicultural Series, this annual event features Mexican food, folklore, crafts, dance and music. Great Plaza, Columbus Boulevard at Chestnut Street, (215) 922-2FUN, www.pennslandingcorp.com
-- Philadelphia's Regional Puerto Rican Day Parade, held on September 28, is the oldest and largest outdoor event celebrating Puerto Rican and Latino heritage in the city. Complete with music, dancing and floats, the parade begins at 21st Street and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and ends at Logan Circle. (215) 627-3100
-- The history, artistic expressions and practices of Afro-Mexicans are showcased in this groundbreaking exhibition, The African Presence in Mexico, on view at The African American Museum in Philadelphia through October 25. The show features, among other artifacts, a collection of 18th-century and contemporary art. 701 Arch Street, (215) 574-0380, www.aampmuseum.org
Dining:
-- Those looking to take a break from the festivals can take a trip to famed chef Jose Garces' newest restaurant Distrito, a colorful, high-energy Mexican spot in University City-complete with a secret karaoke room, a roaming mariachi singer, seats of all sorts that move and a Volkswagen Beetle turned dining booth. The menu is inspired by the cuisine of Mexico City and features fresh interpretations of classic Mexican fare and cocktails. 3945 Chestnut Street, (215) 222-1657, www.distritorestaurant.com
-- In 2001, Alma de Cuba came into fruition with a menu by famed nuevo Latino chef Douglas Rodriguez and three floors of island elegance. Today it's still a great spot for a classic mojito and authentic Cuban cuisine, including ceviche of all kinds, black bean soup, tuna empanadas and loads of other Latin-inspired dishes. 1623 Walnut Street, (215) 988-1799, www.almadecubarestaurant.com
-- Specializing in authentic Colombian and Cuban cuisine, Tierra Colombiana Nightclub draws crowds to its cozy and tropically decorated space. Patrons stay late on weekends for international and local performances featuring a vast array of Latin sounds from Central, South and North America and the Caribbean. 4535 N. 5th Street, (215) 324-0303, www.tierracolombiananightclub.com
Visitors wishing to spend a couple nights in the region can take advantage of the Philly Overnight(R) Hotel Package, which includes two-night hotel accommodations, free parking (a savings of around $75 at most Center City hotels), a Philly's More Fun(TM) teddy bear and a Macy's Savings Pass. The package is bookable at gophila.com.
The Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation (GPTMC) makes Philadelphia and The Countryside(R) a premier destination through marketing and image building that increases business and promotes the region's vitality. For more information about travel to Philadelphia, visit http://www.gophila.com or call the Independence Visitor Center, located in Independence National Historical Park, at (800) 537-7676.
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