News Summary
South Philadelphia’s Ninth Street Market will host its annual Italian Market Festival on May 17-18, featuring over 120 vendors, crafts, and food. This year also marks the unveiling of murals celebrating the market’s founders. Community activities include a half ball tournament and a procession, emphasizing the significance of the market’s cultural heritage. Future developments aim to enhance the market experience, ensuring its legacy continues as a cherished Philadelphia landmark.
Philadelphia – South Philadelphia’s historic Ninth Street Market is set to host its annual Italian Market Festival on May 17 and 18, featuring more than 120 vendors, crafts, musical performances, and a variety of food offerings. This year’s festival will coincide with the unveiling of three murals celebrating the market’s founders during the weekend of May 3 and 4.
The murals honor significant figures in the market’s history: Elizabeth “Betty Ann” Mongelluzzo, who dedicated 30 years of her life to working as a florist at the market before her passing in 2019; Joe and Danny DiBruno, who founded DiBruno Brothers Specialty Foods in 1939; and Carl Redel, who established Carl’s Vineland Farm Eggs and is one of the few family survivors of the Holocaust.
A representative family member expressed satisfaction in honoring Mongelluzzo, stating her legacy continues to live through the memories of those she touched. In addition, another family member noted the significance of acknowledging previous generations that contributed significantly to the market’s development.
The murals were created by the Our Mural Project, founded in 2019 by artist Michelle Angela Ortiz, which aims to portray the stories of immigrant families through public art. Ortiz emphasized the vital role of art in representing the contributions of immigrant communities. Alongside the mural project, plans are in motion to revitalize the market’s produce stands by replacing aging wooden structures with weather-resistant alternatives and upgrading worn awnings with hand-painted designs.
The official unveiling of the murals is scheduled for Saturday, May 3, 2023, alongside a restart of market walking tours that highlight the rich history of the area. The Italian Market Festival will occur along S. 9th Street between Wharton and Fitzwater Streets, with events planned from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.
Festival Activities
Scheduled activities during the festival include the John Marzano Half Ball Tournament on May 17 starting at 10 a.m., and a Procession of Saints on May 18 at 11 a.m. These events aim to showcase the vibrant culture and traditions tied to the Ninth Street Market, which is recognized as the nation’s oldest continuous outdoor market.
Future Developments
In addition to celebrating its history, the Ninth Street Market is also looking towards the future. Midwood Investment & Development plans to replace an earlier proposed residential project at Ninth Street and Washington Avenue with a new retail complex. This can contribute positively to the market’s overall growth and attract more visitors to the area.
The Italian Market Festival not only marks a festive occasion for the community but also serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy and significant contributions of those who built the Ninth Street Market into a cherished landmark in South Philadelphia.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Philadelphia Faces Disturbing Events Amid Cultural Gatherings
Additional Resources
- WMGK: Business Owners and Immigrants Honored in Murals
- CBS News: Philly Italian Market Murals
- PhillyVoice: Celebrate the 9th Street Italian Market Festival
- New York Times: Best Restaurants in Philadelphia
- Philadelphia Inquirer: Midwood Apartment and Retail Shops
- Wikipedia: Italian Market
- Google Search: Italian Market Philadelphia
