“We’re shutting down 5th Street to celebrate the roots and future of our Latinx culture.”

With this message, artist Selina Carrera invited her followers on social media to join the Feria del Barrio at El Taller Puertorriqueño on September 7. For her, performing with her band at the fair was deeply meaningful and bringing the energy of her live show to the neighborhood that raised her, surrounded by people she considers family. And she wasn’t alone.

Sharing the stage with her group Cvgebird were Foto Rodríguez, Tino Serrano & The Latin Jazz Orchestra, Bachata Tropical, Los Pueblitos, Emmanuel Méndez, and La Guagua 47.

It was the debut of La Guagua 47 Orchestra, directed by Moroquito Ávila, that brought the event to its emotional peak. On stage, Alba Martínez—the visionary behind the project—joined the orchestra to perform several songs from the musical, including two brand-new pieces presented live for the first time.

Martínez shared with the audience how La Guagua 47 began as a salsa song, evolved into a community film, and now has become a full musical featuring 20 original songs and dialogue.

Attendees got a taste of Lucía’s story—a Puerto Rican girl who arrives in Philadelphia and embarks on a transformative journey along the route of bus 47.

The performance was part of La Guagua Creativa, an artist residency at El Taller Puertorriqueño that aims to bring musical theater closer to the community through salsa, collective art, and active participation.

El Centro de Oro—Philadelphia’s hub of Latin culture—turned the street into a celebration of arts, education, and community resources. The neighborhood came alive with a spirit of family, unity, and camaraderie, all pulsing to the rhythm of Latin music.