Showing posts with label hispanic philadelphia pennsylvania tourism culturaltourism tallerpuertorriqueno. Show all posts
Showing posts with label hispanic philadelphia pennsylvania tourism culturaltourism tallerpuertorriqueno. Show all posts

Friday, February 13, 2009

Philly Te Ama! Hispanic Arts and Culture Thrive in the City of Brotherly Love


Cultural Tourism

Philadelphia Attractions, Events and Tours Celebrate Hispanic Culture

PHILADELPHIA/PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ -- Hispanic heritage thrives in Philadelphia, home to the second-largest Hispanic population in the Northeast. Because this market is the fastest growing ethnic group in the Philadelphia region, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, many new arts and cultural opportunities are emerging that celebrate Hispanic traditions. Those who wish to experience the culture and charisma of the city's lively community can find plenty of activities at popular area attractions. Here's a sampling of temporary events and year-round offerings that showcase Hispanic-American
heritage:

Special Events and Exhibitions:
Opened in October 2008, the Latin Art Gallery showcases an exceptional collection of modern art in a wide range of mediums and themes. Displaying through mid-March 2009 is Los Hijos de la Calle, an exhibition of images by
three photographers from very diverse paths. 305 W. Oxford Street, (215) 975-
9170, afrolatinart.com
In the heart of the Latino community, Taller Puertorriqueno is like a second home for upcoming and established Hispanic artists. From February 6 through April 11, 2009, its Lorenzo Homar Gallery features Diametrically
Opposed Realities in Santurce, Puerto Rico, with works by Harry Hernandez, one of Puerto Rico's most promising young painters. His work incorporates paintings from various forms of media, including projections, digital imaging,
video and photography. 2721 N. 5th Street, (215) 426-3311, tallerpr.org.
Visitors to the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology can view a world-renowned collection of ancient Maya pottery excavated nearly 100 years ago. Painted Metaphors: Pottery and Politics of the Ancient Maya, on display April 5 through September 6, 2009, includes about two dozen recently conserved painted vessels and focuses on the ordinary Maya people that lived more than a thousand years ago. 3260 South Street, (215) 898-4000, museum.upenn.edu.
Philadelphia celebrates Hispanic heritage all summer long at Penn's Landing during the popular PECO Multicultural Series. The annual series includes the Hispanic Fiesta (July 11-12, 2009), Caribbean Fest (August 23) and the Mexican Independence Day Festival (September 13, 2009), all featuring food, folklore, crafts, dance and music. Great Plaza, Columbus Boulevard at
Chestnut Street, (215) 922-2FUN, delawareriverwaterfrontcorp.com.



Celebrating Hispanic Heritage All Year Long:
In Philadelphia, nearly 3,000 walls have been transformed with images of heroes, landscapes or inspiring scenes. On the second Wednesday of every month and on select Saturdays, a Philadelphia Mural Arts Tour departs from the Independence Visitor Center to showcase the murals of North Philadelphia, including those found in El Centro de Oro, the heart Philadelphia's Latino community. General public tours run from April through November. 6th & Market Streets, (215) 685-0750, muralarts.org.
The Philadelphia Museum of Art boasts an expansive collection of Mexican works within its walls, including two large Aztec stone sculptures, frescos, prints, photographs and embroidered dress and textiles. And the Mexican Colonial Art gallery displays religious paintings and portraits along with 18th-century Talavera pottery. 26th Street & the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, (215) 763-8100, philamuseum.org.
The Liberty Bell Center holds the famous cracked Bell and features videos and interactive displays and is staffed by Park Rangers who are on hand to answer questions. The treasured symbol resonates strongly in the Hispanic community where the fight for freedom continues with the arrival of each new or prospective citizen. 5th & Chestnut Streets, (800) 537-7676, nps.gov/inde.
The Historical Society of Pennsylvania counts among its treasures many documents on the history and experience of Latinos in Greater Philadelphia dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. Visitors can read through the materials to gain a more complete understanding of Philadelphia's heritage and dynamic people. 1300 Locust Street, (215) 732-6200, hsp.org.

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 gophila.com or
uwishunu.com, where you can build itineraries; search event calendars; see
photos and videos; view interactive maps; sign up for newsletters; listen to HearPhilly, an online radio station about what to see and do in the region; book hotel reservations and more. Or, call the Independence Visitor Center, located in Historic Philadelphia, at (800) 537-7676.

Source: Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation

Photos courtesy of GPTMC:

Skyline -- A dramatic evening sky view of Philadelphia highlights the contrast of new and old living side by side. In the center of the shot stands the bronze statue of the city’s founder, William Penn, sitting on top of the 511-foot City Hall Tower with its lighted clock. And the newest addition to the skyline, the Comcast Center on the right towers as the tallest building between New York and Chicago. (Photo by B. Krist for GPTMC)

Dancers -- Along with some of the top names in music, hundreds of aspiring salsa dancers dance the day away on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway for Fiesta on the Parkway, one of many events taking place during Sunoco Welcome America!, Philadelphia’s multi-day Fourth of July celebration. (Photo by J. Smith for GPTMC)

Fiesta -- The Hispanic Fiesta is held each summer on Philadelphia’s Penn’s Landing as part of the PECO Multicultural Series.
(Photo by R. Kennedy for GPTMC)