Looking back at 2025: A year in photos from Kensington
A year in photographs from the neighborhood, made close and over time.
Solmaira Valerio
Solmaira Valerio is a North Philly–born photographer and musician whose work draws on their cultural roots to capture the energy, vulnerability, and authenticity of communities while challenging stereotypes and stigma.
Arts & Culture
Photos of Kensington: Celebrating 41 years of Feria del Barrio
Neighbors gathered along North 5th Street for the 41st annual Feria del Barrio, celebrating Latinx culture through music, dance, and art.
Arts & Culture
Photos of Kensington: Philly Bomba Plena Cultural Center showcases student performances
Students of all ages closed out their Bomba and Plena classes with a recital in North Philadelphia organized by the Philly Bomba Plena Cultural Center.
Public Space
Photos of Kensington: Basketball and Community at Trenton and Auburn Playground
Neighbors filled the sidelines at Trenton and Auburn Playground for a summer league game between the Jewtown Ballers and the Peacemakers.
Arts & Culture
Photos of Kensington: Orquesta el Macabeo brings salsa to Taller Puertorriqueño
Neighbors came together at Taller for a night of music, food, and connection. Celebrating the cultural ties between Norris Square and Puerto Rico.
Community Life
Photos of Kensington: Puerto Rican Day Parade brings salsa, pride, and neighbors together
Neighbors filled North Philadelphia with music, dance, and pride during the Puerto Rican Day Parade on Sept. 28, 2025.
Arts & Culture
A queer circus comes to Kensington
Kensington’s first Queer Circus brought neighbors together for a day of queer joy, performance, and self-expression to close out Pride month.
Community Life
Photos of Kensington: Peacemakers Win Cure Violence Basketball Championship
Cure Violence and Esperanza Health Center wrap up winter league with food, music, and a Peacemakers championship win.
Arts & Culture
Photos of Kensington: CAICU mural dedication at Front & Susquehanna
Artists and neighbors unveil mural honoring Norris Square’s Caribbean roots.
Clean Streets
Photos of Kensington: Spring cleanup at Trenton & Auburn Playground with Mayor Parker’s support
Community members lead a spring cleanup at Trenton and Auburn Playground, followed by a visit from Mayor Cherelle Parker in support of revitalization efforts.
Public Space
Photos of Kensington:Celebrating the Revitalization of Rivera Recreation Center & Mann Older Adult Center
Rivera Recreation Center and Mann Older Adult Center celebrated their renovation and reopening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and the unveiling the community-created mural “El Ritmo del Centro".
Kids in Kensington
Philly teens are building foundations for the future through this free Kensington carpentry program
The Building a Brighter Future through the Art of Construction program draws young people from across the city.
Kids in Kensington
Preserving Puerto Rican culture: Los Bomberos de la Calle bomba and plena group finds a new home in Kensington
Los Bomberos de la Calle’s new center in North Philly serves as a cultural hub, where bomba and plena rhythms unite the community and teach the next generation.
Community Life
Photos of Kensington: Local Latin band opens Bomba Plena Cultural Center in Kensington
In early January, the Latin-American band Los Bomberos De La Calle, hosted a grand opening celebration for their new location,
Accountability
City clears I-95 encampments, forcibly displaces at least 14 people in Port Richmond
City officials cleared two encampments near Interstate 95 on Friday, along Allegheny and Westmoreland avenues.
Public Space
Photos of Kensington: Residents celebrate end of soccer and summer at Impact's Hissey Playground event
Impact Services hosted an “End-of-Soccer Celebration and Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway” at Hissey Playground on Indiana Avenue and C Street.
Community Life
Photos of Kensington: Kids gear up for school at “Classroom Kickoff” event on Frankford Avenue
The event was hosted by District 7 Councilmember Quetcy Lozada's office.
Government & Policy
Photos of Kensington: Harrowgate's “Old Lady Gang” hosts second annual water gun fight at Harrowgate Park
The event was sponsored by the Harrowgate Civic Association, Impact Services, Kensington Corridor Trust, and Ride Free.
Public Space
Kensington unveils first Roberto Lugo sculpture at KCT Community Garden party event
Community members gathered for a special event celebrating the arrival of Roberto Lugo’s first sculpture installation.
Un verano con Bad Bunny: ‘Made in America…los latinos hacen América. Es importante recordar eso’.
Ha sido un verano de primicias para la estrella global puertorriqueña y reggaetonero Bad Bunny. Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, conocido
Un verano con Bad Bunny: ‘Made in America…Latinos make America. It’s important to remember that.’
It has been a summer of firsts for global Puerto Rican star and reggaetonero Bad Bunny. Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio,
El mural Lots of Lots of Love: ‘Si nos enfocamos en las cosas en las que estamos de acuerdo y trabajamos en como, podemos crear algo hermoso juntos?
La próxima vez que esté en el tren, entre las estaciones Somerset y Allegheny, asegúrese de echar un vistazo al
Lots of Lots of Love mural: ‘If we focus on the things we do agree on and work together on how, we can create something beautiful’
Next time you’re on the El between Somerset and Allegheny station, make sure to catch a glimpse of the
Streetwear for Survivors: ‘Art is our most universal language, and I see clothing as a language in its own right’
Art is our most universal language, and I see clothing as a language in its own right. It’s a