{"id":310392,"date":"2026-10-20T07:38:08","date_gmt":"2026-10-20T07:38:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/310392\/"},"modified":"2026-10-20T07:38:08","modified_gmt":"2026-10-20T07:38:08","slug":"follow-the-footprints-visit-philadelphia-unveils-11-installations-honoring-hispanic-and-latino-changemakers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/310392\/","title":{"rendered":"Follow the Footprints: Visit Philadelphia Unveils 11 Installations Honoring Hispanic and Latino Changemakers"},"content":{"rendered":"

PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 19, 2026 \u2014 Today, Visit Philadelphia launched Las Huellas<\/a>, a self-guided audio trail that brings to life the stories of Hispanic and Latino changemakers, past and present. Meaning \u201cthe footprints\u201d in English, Las Huellas features 11 footprint-shaped installations at well-known landmarks and beloved community destinations throughout Philadelphia.<\/p>\n

The featured changemakers include award-winning chefs, artists, community advocates and civic leaders whose contributions have helped shape Philadelphia and the nation. Their stories come to life at familiar restaurants, museums, neighborhood landmarks and cultural institutions, inviting residents and visitors to discover the people behind these places while exploring the city.<\/p>\n

Visitors can scan a QR code at each installation to hear the featured changemaker\u2019s story in English or Spanish. The experience is available through November 19, 2026.<\/p>\n

\u201cPhiladelphia would not be what it is today without the contributions of our Hispanic and Latino communities,\u201d said Daniel Davis, director of cultural marketing at Visit Philadelphia. \u201cWe chose footprints because they represent the mark someone leaves behind. Through Las Huellas, we\u2019re giving residents and visitors a chance to discover the people who helped shape our city, explore the places connected to their stories and see how much Hispanic and Latino culture has shaped the history of Philadelphia and the nation.\u201d<\/p>\n

Local Artists Bring the Stories to Life<\/p>\n

Each Las Huellas installation features original artwork created by three Philadelphia-based artists: Cindy Lozito, Manuela Guill\u00e9n and Fabiola Lara. Their colorful designs reflect the stories and contributions of the featured changemakers, bringing their stories to life in public spaces across the city.<\/p>\n

Lozito, whose murals and illustrations appear throughout the city, is also one of the artists behind Philadelphia\u2019s Bells Across PA installations for America250. Guill\u00e9n has collaborated with brands including Starbucks, while Lara is known for her playful illustrations and mini-print vending machines throughout Philadelphia.<\/p>\n

Members of Philadelphia\u2019s Hispanic and Latino communities, including some of the featured changemakers themselves, also lent their voices to the audio stories.<\/p>\n

\u201dPeople walk past these places every day without realizing the history behind them,\u201d said Jennifer Rodriguez, president of the Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and one of the voices featured in the audio experience. \u201cYou may not be able to walk a mile in someone\u2019s shoes, but Las Huellas allows you to anchor yourself in the places they made history happen and learn how they paved the way for others.\u201d<\/p>\n

Meet the Changemakers<\/p>\n

Located outside businesses, attractions and landmarks throughout the city, the installations invite people to stop, discover a new story and explore the places around them.<\/p>\n

Cristina Martinez founded South Philly Barbacoa, bringing the traditional slow-cooked Mexican dish to a global audience.
Footprint: South Philly Barbacoa, 1134 S. 9 Street
\nDiego Rivera, one of history\u2019s most influential muralists, helped shape Philadelphia\u2019s artistic legacy.
Footprint: Mural Arts Philadelphia headquarters, 1727-29 Mount Vernon Street
\nDr. Carmen Febo San Miguel helped build Taller Puertorrique\u00f1o, Pennsylvania\u2019s largest Puerto Rican and Latino arts organization; she served as chair of its board of directors for 14 years and executive director for 22 years.
Footprint: Taller Puertorrique\u00f1o, 2600 N. 5th Street
\nDr. Carlos Mart\u00ednez Rivera developed a conservation safety net to help protect a Caribbean frog species from extinction.
Footprint: The Franklin Institute, 222 N. 20th Street
\nEnerolina Melendez has led the Dominican Grocers Association since 2023, building on more than two decades of community involvement. Since 1998, she has advocated for neighborhood bodegas and small-business owners, representing thousands of local businesses.
Footprint: Dilworth Park, near 15th Street & John F. Kennedy Boulevard
\nIris Brown and Tomasita Romero, alongside Grupo Motivos, united Puerto Rican women in the early 1980s to create vibrant community spaces where children and neighbors could gather, connect and thrive.
Footprint: Las Parcelas, 2248 N. Palethorp Street
\nJesse Bermudez founded Philadelphia\u2019s Asociaci\u00f3n de M\u00fasicos Latino Americanos (AMLA) and supported Latino music and arts education for more than 40 years.
Footprint: Painted Bride Art Center, 4029 Cambridge Street
\nJos\u00e9 Garces, an Iron Chef and James Beard Award-winning chef, helped introduce Philadelphia diners to new Latin flavors and culinary traditions.
Footprint: Amada, 217-219 Chestnut Street
\nJudge Nelson D\u00edaz authored the D\u00edaz opinion, which helped reshape federal housing policy and advance mixed-income communities.
Footprint: Dilworth Park, 1 S. 15th Street
\nSofia Deleon founded El Merkury, introducing more Philadelphians to Central American street food.
Footprint: Reading Terminal Market, 1136 Arch Street
\nRev. Luis Cort\u00e9s Jr. founded Esperanza in 1986, expanding access to education, jobs and affordable housing in Hunting Park.
Footprint: Esperanza Arts Center, 4261 N. 5th Street<\/p>\n

Bonus online story: Luis \u201cLou\u201d Castro became the first Hispanic player in Major League Baseball in 1902. His story is featured online because Shibe Park, later known as Connie Mack Stadium, is no longer standing. Though the original ballpark is gone, Castro\u2019s contribution to baseball history remains an important part of Las Huellas.<\/p>\n

Part of Visit Philadelphia\u2019s Indivisible Series<\/p>\n

Las Huellas is the latest installment in Visit Philadelphia\u2019s Indivisible <\/a>series, which celebrates the cultural history of Philadelphia and the nation during America\u2019s 250th anniversary, highlighting the people and communities whose contributions have helped shape our shared history.<\/p>\n

Visit Philadelphia committed 25% of its 2026 marketing budget to reaching diverse audiences. Paid advertising to support the initiative will reach audiences in Philadelphia, New York City, Baltimore and Washington, D.C., through streaming platforms and social media.<\/p>\n

For the complete audio experience and more information about the featured changemakers, visit visitphilly.com\/huellas<\/a>.<\/p>\n

About Visit Philadelphia:\u00a0<\/p>\n

Visit Philadelphia\u00ae is our name and our mission. As the region\u2019s official tourism marketing agency, we build Greater Philadelphia\u2019s image, drive visitation and boost the economy. On Greater Philadelphia\u2019s official visitor website, visitphilly.com, visitors can explore things to do, upcoming events, themed itineraries and hotel packages.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Compelling photography and videos, interactive maps and detailed visitor information make the site an effective trip-planning tool. Visitors can also find loads of inspiration on Visit Philly\u2019s social media channels.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

Note to Editors: For high-resolution photos and high-definition B-roll of Greater Philadelphia, visit the Photos & Video section of visitphilly.com\/mediacenter<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Visit Philadelphia\u2019s work is supported by multiple funding partners, including the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. VisitPA.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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