Cultural Immersion: Philadelphia – United States
The U.S.A
The United States of America — a vast nation known for its pioneering spirit in technology, arts, and culture; a country full of diversity and opportunity. Because of this, the US profoundly influences the world.
It Stretches from the Atlantic to the Pacific with landscapes ranging from bustling metropolises to expansive natural wonders.
In the northeastern state of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia emerges as a cornerstone city — a place where American history, resilience, and vibrant community life intertwine.
Are you ready to know Philadelphia?
Philly
The “City of Brotherly Love” 1 is USA’s top travel destination, the birthplace of the nation and the country’s first World Heritage City!
Because of that, the city remains one of the most influential cultural centers in the United States, known for its vibrant arts scene, distinctive cuisine, and world-renowned universities, coupled with strong local identity.
Did you know Philadelphia boasts one of the largest collections of public art and murals in the United States? Its streets and neighborhoods are adorned with thousands of vibrant pieces reflecting community stories and creativity, making street art an important part of Philly’s daily life.
(read more about the public art and murals)
Climate
Hot and Cold Seasons
Philly has humid subtropical climate. Because of that, summers are considerably hot, with temperatures ranging from 28ºC to 32ºC.
However, as the city lies in a transitional zone – where southern tropical air and northern continental winds colide, winters are colder than many would expect, with temperatures varying from -3ºC to 4ºC and occasional snowfall.
The city averages around 120 fully overcast days per year, and is has cloudy skies from November to late June.
Check Philadelphia’s climate in real time on Zoom Earth.
Tourist spot
Bartham’s Garden
Photo Credit: Photographs in the Carol M. Highsmith Archive, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division
On Southwest Philadelphia lies the oldest surviving botanic garden in North America – The Bartham’s Garden.
Although many visitors focus on Independence Hall or the Liberty Bell, Bartham’s Garden is surely worth exploring!
It is a public park spanning about 50 acres (around 202 thousand square meters) where you can go on explorations, find native plant collections, walk in riverfront trails, go kayaking, see historic buildings, or even participate on community gardens!
Check more about it with its official interactive map.
Cuisine
Philadelphia Cheesesteak
According to Frankie Olivieri Jr, owner of the famous Philly restaurant “Pat’s King of Steaks”, the cheesesteak was created by his grandfather Harry Olivieri, and his great-uncle Pat Olivieri in 1930.
A Philly Cheesesteak is made with only four main ingredients:
- A Hougie Roll (also known as sub) 🥖
- Some Sautéed or caramelized onions 🧅
- A ribeye steak 🥩
- Some provolone cheese or cheese whiz 🧀
Do you want to try it at home? Check this easy short video tutorial teaching you how to!
Local Personality Traits
“Never say die!”
Considering philadelphia’s long history as blue-collar, working-class and industrial center, hard work and perseverance became some of their most recognizable personality traits.
Even though fictional characters are not commonly associated with real cities, one of the symbols that better represents philly’s traits is Rocky Balboa, from the movie “Rocky”.
Not everyone in Philadelphia loves the association between them and this fictional character, but many residents embrace Rocky, as a representation of their hard work, humility and hope despite difficulties.
Another common trait from Philadelphians is that they are deeply connected to their communities, thus having strong local pride.
A local defined Philly in an internet post saying that they are:”gritty, diverse, art-proud, embraces scrappy underdog role, rude and surprisingly nice at the same time, dirty, beautiful, historic, a city of contradictions and grandeur.”
Music
Philly Soul a.k.a The Sound of Philadelphia (TSOP)
Emerging in the late 1960s, the Philly Sound is characterized by horn sections, lush strings arrangements, richly harmonized vocals, and funky rhythms.
Some of the key figures who pioneered this genre were Kenny Gamble, Leon Huff. Their work helped shape the sound of modern R&B, soul and disco music.
One of the most famous Philly Soul groups is The O’Jays. In 1972, the group released “Love Train”, a song that became and international success with a message of unity that reflects Philadelphia’s name and nickname meaning, the “City of Brotherly Love”.
Check out “Love Train” below!
Cost of Living
Rising Cost of Living
Even though many consider Philadelphia as an affordable alternative to other major cities like New York, or Washington D.C, according to the Philadelphia local broadcast FOX29 “Philadelphia is the seventh city in the U.S. where the cost of living has risen the most“.
A single person’s estimated cost of living would be around R$7.227,80 ($1.423,80) a month, excluding rent, in order to live in Philadelphia.
Additionaly, renting a simple apartment outside the city center with only 1 bedroom would cost you R$ 6.600,46 ($1.300,25).
Taking this into account, living in Philadelphia is significantly more expensive than many Brazilian cities, as it would require that the person makes around R$13.828,26 ($2.733,00) monthly!
Check up-to-date information at numbeo.
Explore more cities around the world here.
Não perca mais tempo!
Conheça nossa metodologia de aprendizagem acelerada e conecte-se ao mundo.
- From the Greek Philia (love, affection) e Adelphos (brother). ↩︎
