Philadelphia will celebrate six years as a World Heritage City with a week of free, virtual festivities for the whole family, May 24-28th. Presented by Global Philadelphia Association (GPA) and the City of Philadelphia, World Heritage Week will highlight the many diverse heritages and shared cultural traditions that have kept us connected and strengthened our bonds over the course of a difficult year. This includes the art, music, foods, and stories that have sustained us, as well as the local businesses, organizations, and leaders that continue to put Philadelphia on the global stage.

The week’s featured event is a Virtual World Heritage Week Quizzo hosted by KYW Newsradio’s Denise Nakano. Attendees will test their knowledge of Philadelphia’s history and global heritages and compete for prizes during the virtual event on Tuesday, May 25th. The event is free with advance registration and space is limited.

World Heritage Week will also feature a video of Amanda Gorman – the youngest inaugural poet in U.S. history – performing the poem she composed for the 2020 Philadelphia World Heritage City Celebration; a video on the fascinating history of Pepperpot Soup by Emmy Award winning TV host and culinary historian Chef Walter Staib; a special episode of Heritage Storytime exploring global culinary traditions with a kid-friendly cooking demo; a message from City Representative Sheila Hess; and much more.

For more information and to register for World Heritage Week Quizzo, visit http://www.globalphiladelphia.org/wh-week-2021.

Traditionally, Philadelphia has celebrated World Heritage Day on the fourth Thursday in May since Mayor Jim Kenney instituted the tradition in May 2016. This annual event is an important part of bringing awareness of Philadelphia’s World Heritage City to all city residents. Each year, the celebration is carried out in a different way. In 2021, we will celebrate our sixth year as a World Heritage City by holding a week of virtual festivities, May 24-28.

“As the first World Heritage City in the U.S., Philadelphia celebrates this designation proudly each year in May,” said City Representative Sheila Hess. “World Heritage Week is the perfect time to showcase our dynamic international communities and heritages that bring so much vibrancy and cultural richness to our great city. You can join in on the free virtual festivities for the whole family.”

GPA Board Chair Robert J. McNeill stated, “GPA is thrilled to celebrate Philadelphia’s sixth year as a World Heritage City. The week’s events highlight the important work being done through the World Heritage City Project, all of which would not be possible without the generous support of the Project’s investors and the contributions of our dedicated partners.”

The World Heritage Week Schedule of Events:

Monday, May 24: Sustainable Development Day

• We’ll kick off World Heritage Week with a Welcome Message from GPA leadership, Rob McNeill, Board Chair and Executive Director Zabeth Teelucksingh. Learn why we’re celebrating and what you can look forward to during the week of festivities.
• Learn all about the Sustainable Development Goals Campaign in Philadelphia with a video about this exciting public art project.
• Meet the 2020 Globy Award Winners who are leading efforts toward better health, greater prosperity, and more equitable inclusion of diverse heritages in Philadelphia.

Tuesday, May 25: Happy Hour & Quizzo

• Watch a video performance by world renowned classical pianist Lang Lang.
• Learn how to make the refreshing and delicious “Philly Joy” cocktail with Pat Nogar of Living Well with Pat Nogar.
• Join us for a special Virtual World Heritage Week Quizzo hosted by KYW Newsradio’s Denise Nakano and test your knowledge of Philadelphia’s history and global heritages.

Wednesday, May 26: Heritage Stories Day

• Watch Amanda Gorman perform the poem she composed in 2020 to celebrate Philadelphia’s 5th anniversary as a World Heritage City, entitled “The Gathering Place.”
• Tune in for a special World Heritage Week episode of Heritage Storytime where we’ll make tabbouleh and learn about the culinary traditions of the SWANA region.
• Philadelphia’s own Kevin and Michael Bacon, together known as the Bacon Brothers Band will share a message and some music about the joys of play.

Thursday, May 27: Culinary Heritage Day

• Philadelphia City Representative Sheila Hess shares a video message and presents the official proclamation of this year’s Philadelphia World Heritage Week.
• Discover the fascinating history of Pepperpot Soup and learn how to make it at home from Emmy Award winning TV host and culinary historian Chef Walter Staib.
• Discover the historic and vibrant Mexican World Heritage City of San Miguel de Allende and hear a message from their mayor to Philadelphia.

Friday, May 28: National Historic Landmarks Day

• Watch Philadelphia native and Grammy Award-winning, soul-jazz and hip-hop/funk innovator Jeff Bradshaw perform on the steps of the Philadelphia Art Museum.
• Explore Philadelphia’s National Historic Landmarks and learn about opportunities to visit several of them over Memorial Day weekend.

About Global Philadelphia Association

The Global Philadelphia Association (GPA) consists of more than 200 internationally involved organizations, businesses, and individuals in Greater Philadelphia. It was created to assist – and to encourage greater interaction among – the many organizations and people who are engaged in international activity in the Greater Philadelphia Region, to promote the development of an international consciousness within the area, and to enhance Philadelphia’s global profile. GPA manages the World Heritage City Project in collaboration with the City of Philadelphia. For more information, visit globalphiladelphia.org.