April 02, 2015

Philadelphia's Italian Market celebrating 100 years

Events set from April through December

By Elisa Lala
PhillyVoice Contributor

Matt Rourke/AP

Fred Landis speaks with a customer at Claudio Specialty Food at the Italian Market in Philadelphia, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2008.

The South 9th Street Italian Market – the oldest continuously operated outdoor market in the country – is celebrating its centennial this year with a series of foodie festivities to be held over the next few months.

The market has been a staple of culture and community in the City of Brotherly Love since it began operation, and not much has changed in its 100 years.

For a look back at the Italian Market's history, click here.

Events are scheduled from April through December, including the biggest event, an Italian Market Festival, in May. Other events will include a food truck festival, a bocce & copa tournament and free concerts.

For more information on the Italian Market's “Cent’anni” celebration, visit its website.

Sen. Edward Kennedy reaches across a stock of produce to shake hands with a merchant during a campaign stop on April 19, 1980, in Philadelphia. The then-Democratic candidate for president toured the Italian Market. (AP Files)

Then-Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., leans over the counter at Claudio Speciality Foods during a walk through the Italian Market on April 2, 2008. (Alex Brandon, File/AP)

THE FUTURE OF THE ITALIAN MARKET

The Philadelphia Business Improvement District, BID, is currently studying the Italian Market for ways to improve its business environment and shopper experience, particularly within the areas from 8th to 10th and Federal to Fitzwater streets. (See a map here.)

The study also includes an extended look at Washington Avenue, which seems to be slated for a new beginning, with various projects in the planning stages.

To help improve the Italian Market, you can fill out this survey (this requires signing into a Google account).