Ninth Street will come alive with music, dance, and flavors from across Latin America on Sunday, August 17, as the Fiesta Futbolera festival returns for its second year. The celebration runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., stretching from Christian Street through the heart of the Italian Market.
Hosted by the Philadelphia Union, the Association of Mexican Business Owners in Philadelphia, and the Mayor’s Office of Latino Engagement, the event promises a full day of live entertainment, cultural showcases and community connection. Visitors can expect a vibrant mix of DJs, live bands, and traditional performances, including Nuuxakun Folkloric Dance.
“This second year we have doubled or more than doubled the size of the festival,” said Camilo Villavicencio, the manager of marketing for the Philadelphia Union.
The festival will feature 50 Latino American food vendors, offering Mexican, Venezuelan and other Latin cuisines, along with games, raffles and family-friendly activities. Major partners, including Bimbo, will be on hand with giveaways. Free health screenings will be provided by the Consulate of Mexico, thanks to coordination by the Mexican business association in Philly.
In addition to celebrating community, Fiesta Futbolera will connect attendees to one of the biggest events of next year’s 250th national anniversary here in Philly, with information tables about the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Opening remarks will be delivered by William Garcia of the Mayor’s Office of Latino Engagement, with Felipe Ventura from the Mexican Business Association closing the ceremony. DJ JT Wildlin will keep the energy high until noon, with live music starting at 11 a.m. and prize giveaways — including Philadelphia Union merchandise and game tickets — from noon to 2 p.m.
Villavicencio said the event’s growth is a point of pride: “This is something I have been working on since I joined The Philadelphia Union. Being able to see the expansion in real time is just a proud moment for myself. I would like to thank the Association of Mexican Business Owners in Philadelphia for their relationship and the Mayor’s Office of Latino Engagement for their support.”
