While only 2.3% of Pittsburgh is Hispanic, over 12% of those living in Philadelphia are Hispanic/Latino. Of the Latinos living in Philly, a large majority are Puerto Rican. According to the 2010 census, approximately 122,000 Puerto Ricans live in Philly. This means that Puerto Ricans make up 75% of the city's Latino population and 8% of the entire population of Philly. In fact, Philadelphia has the 2nd highest Puerto Rican population outside of PR. This pages takes a closer look at the areas of the city that Puerto Ricans now call home. The mural depicted above is located in the center of Philadelphia's Latino community-El Centro de Oro-which is in the Fairhill neighborhood.
Puerto Rico and Philadelphia
18th and 19th century: linked through trade
early 1900's: Puerto Rican pro-independence exiles, merchants, laborers, etc. lived in Philly
World War II: Puerto Ricans arrived to Philly Area to work on farms, factories and homes
1950-70: great increase in Puerto Rican population~ probably when Ginny and Odessa arrived to Philly
1970-present:! Puerto Rican population has continued to grow
Kensington
According to the 2010 census, this neighborhood is 38.9% Hispanic. If you venture into West Kensington, the population becomes even more concentrated.
Current news about Kensington: http://philadelphianeighborhoods.com/category/neighborhoods/north-philadelphia/kensington/
Fairhill
According to the 2010 census, Fairhill is 80.2% Hispanic, mainly from Puerto Rico. It is nicknamed "El Centro de Oro" or "The Golden Block", and is the center of the city's Hispanic community.
Current news about Fairhill: http://philadelphianeighborhoods.com/category/neighborhoods/north-philadelphia/fairhill/
Puerto Rican Day Parade
This is the parade's 52nd anniversary!
Televised for about 96,000 viewers
hosted by Concilio (http://www.elconcilio.net/)
Latino Happenings in Philly
Located in Fairhill Neighborhood~preserves Latino culture through the arts
The Catholic Church and the growth of Latinos in Philly