PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania (WPVI) — Community members gathered at “The Lighthouse” this morning to celebrate flavorful foods.<\/p>\n
The nonprofit in Kensington hosted “La Tamalada,” an event for local chefs to show off their best tamales.<\/p>\n
The Lighthouse empowers people through enriching programming and activities to better the community.<\/p>\n
“Our mission has remained the same…that’s to create safe, comfortable and welcoming places for people of all ages, not just kids. But we primarily do a lot of youth programing, community events,” said Julian Makarechi, Deputy Director of The Lighthouse.”<\/p>\n
They partnered with Catina La Martina, who after closing their Kensington location, decided to continue the annual event for those who loved it.<\/p>\n
“After closing in November, we wanted to continue with the tradition…and the significance that it held in the Kensington community,” said Mariangeli Alicea, Co-Owner of Cantina La Martina.<\/p>\n
“This event, more than ever, is about highlighting community, how we integrate and work together and just spreading a little bit of love through tamales,” she continued.<\/p>\n
Despite closing the Kensington location, Cantina La Martina still serves guests at other sites, displayed on their website<\/a>.<\/p>\n “It doesn’t matter what you’re going through. Our team is here to support you. It’s not just for our surrounding zip code. The Lighthouse is for all of Philadelphia. Everybody is welcome,” said Makarechi.<\/p>\n