How to Attend Cinco de Mayo Celebrations in Chicago

Chicago holds the second largest Cinco de Mayo celebration in the US (the largest is in Denver, Colorado). Organized by the city's cultural office every year during the first week of May, the festivities include a wide variety of cultural and historical events geared to integrate the Mexican community and to strengthen the bonds of Chicago's inhabitants.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Head over to Douglas Park on the Sunday closest to May fifth (the official Cinco de Mayo Day). Starting at the main entrance located over Marshall Boulevard, Douglas Park is the center of all Cinco de Mayo Celebrations in Chicago--but certainly not the only place.

2. Spend the day in Douglas Park for the best chances to enjoy music, cultural displays and official presentations from important figures in Mexican culture and politics. The park is also the best place to enjoy traditional food and live bands.

3. Start your celebration on Friday around Plaza Garibaldi, an area well-known for its Mexican influences and residents. Several media outlets, including Spanish-speaking TV channels and radios make Plaza Garibaldi center stage, organizing raffles and setting up booths for the whole weekend.

4. Make it a full day. If you can drop off the kids somewhere in the late afternoon, you should come back on your own to enjoy the activities geared towards adults, including workshops, lectures and concerts.

5. Stay around after the festival is over. Chicago boasts an impressive array of Mexican restaurants that cater to every budget and taste.

6. Confirm with the city's Chamber of Commerce or tourism office about the official parade. Held on and off throughout the years, it usually starts at Douglas Park and takes over Marshall Boulevard on Sunday. The parade can be seen from balconies, surrounding cafes and sidewalks.

7. Confirm with the city's Chamber of Commerce or tourism office about the official parade. Held on and off throughout the years, it usually starts at Douglas Park and takes over Marshall Boulevard on Sunday. The parade can be seen from balconies, surrounding cafes and sidewalks.

8. Attend the different carnival rides located throughout the park during Cinco de Mayo. Many are decorated in traditional Mexican colors or offer prizes based on popular traditional Latino figures.

Tips & Warnings

• Over 200,000 people attend the Cinco de Mayo celebrations in Chicago, many of which are tourists. Expect large crowds, difficult traffic and lots of closed or diverged streets.
• Bring a jacket. The weather can change quickly in Chicago during May evenings.
• Take home a souvenir to remember your experience at the Cinco de Mayo Celebrations. Or attend a pottery booth to make your own and become an active part of the festival.