Hispanic Heritage Month In Philadelphia

Philadelphia's Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15-October 15) is jam packed with fun, food and culture.

Follow @PhillyTeAma on Twitter for all of Philly's Hispanic Heritage Month happenings.

Festivals & Parades:

• Fiesta en la Calle 9 brings flavor, music and vibrant colors to South Philadelphia for the third straight year. The big fiesta is organized by the Mexican restaurant owners of South Philadelphia and supported by the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. September 22. 9 th Street between Washington & Federal Streets
• More than 1,500 musicians, performers and youth groups take to the Benjamin Franklin Parkway for the Puerto Rican Day Parade, the city's largest and oldest outdoor event celebrating Latino and Puerto Rican heritage. September 29. Benjamin Franklin Parkway, (215) 627-3100

Art & Culture:

• To celebrateimmigrant heritage and cultural diversity, the Mayor's Office of Immigrant and Multicultural Affairs debuts XCultural Passport Week, a series of events taking place throughout the city. On tap so far: a photo exhibit, a bar crawl, musical performances and more. September 15-22. Various locations. xculturalpassportphl.com
• A little music, a little wine and lots of laughs have made Mujeres de Par en Par a hit with theater-goers around the country. Award-winning Venezuelan playwright Indira Paez gives audiences a peek inside the lives of several women and uses humor to unveil some universal truths. September 21. Arden Theatre, 40 N. 2 nd Street, (215) 922-1122, ardentheatre.org
• On the last Friday of every other month, the Talentos Dance Studio is transformed into Caf Encuentros and hosts Tertulias, which are lectures and discussions about cultural topics. The theme for this month is "Hispanic Heritage Month: A Musical & Culinary Celebration." September 27. 1417 N. 2 nd Street, (215) 425-1390, raicesculturales.org
• During the Philadelphia Museum of Art's pay-what-you-wish Wednesday nights, the Philadelphia-based publication Al Dia hosts the premiere of Harvest of Empire, a gripping social documentary that reveals the political and social roots that have driven millions to migrate from Latin America to the United States. The viewing is followed by a Q&A with Juan Gonzalez, author; Sabrina Vourvoulias, editor of Al Dia and author of Ink; and Eduardo Lopez, producer and co-director of the film. September 27. 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway,
  (215) 763-8100, philamuseum.org
• Vejigantes, the colorful masks that are a centuries-old Puerto Rican tradition, undergo a reimagining in the exhibition Vejigantes of Puerto Rico: Origins, Myths and Messengers. Taller Puertorriqueno displays masks from five American and Puerto Rican artists, who merged cultural traditions with depictions of modern social issues. October 11. 2721 N. 5 th Street, (215) 426-3311, tallerpr.org
• Audiences who were captivated by the infectious rhythms and irresistible charm of the 1999 film Buena Vista Social Club will love the live thing even more. At the Merriam Theatre, the 13-piece Orquesta Buena Vista Social Club features several alumni musicians, including trumpeter Guajiro Mirabal. October 9. 250 S. Broad Street, (215) 893-1999, kimmelcenter.org

Food & Other Fun:

• Community leaders, social activists and trendsetters from the region's Hispanic community are honored during the Hispanic Choice Awards. For its 10 th anniversary, this annual party and award ceremony honors the achievements of Latino movers-and-shakers in a new location, the Merriam Theatre. October 5. 250 S. Broad Street, hcaphilly.com
• Culinary art takes center stage as Jose Garces opens Volver, the newest restaurant in his flavorful empire. Located inside the KimMel Center, Volver features a performance kitchenmeaning diners play the part of the audience. Opening October. 300 S. Broad Street

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