Celebrate Cinco de Mayo-Concierge Preferred
“Viva Mexico” will be chanted in this year’s Cinco de Mayo Parade, as patrons celebrate the victory of when Mexican forces invaded the French army in the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862.
This is usually confused for Mexican Independence Day, which is in September. Either way, this is also the one day where everyone has a reason to go out and enjoy a fiesta-filled day with plenty of food, colorful floats, and a whole lot of tequila!
2012 Cinco de Mayo Parade
This year’s parade is on May 6 at noon sharp and will start and end in the heart of Chicago’s Mexican-American community in the Pilsen neighborhood. The parade will step off at Cermak Road and Wood Street and head west to Marshall Boulevard.
If you want a good view of the parade, arrive at least 30 minutes before the parade begins.There is plenty of metered parking on Damen Avenue, south of 18th Street. It is highly recommended to take public transportation to the parade. Just get off on 18th Street on the Pink Line or take the CTA bus #18 or #21.
If you want to celebrate early, starting May 4, the three-day festivities will include live music, food vendors, carnival rides and games at Douglas Park on 1401 S. Sacramento Ave.
Let out the party animal in you after the parade (which ends at 2 p.m.) by eating at these two local places.
Mi Tierra Restaurant (2528 S. Kedzie Ave.): Experience an authentic taste of Mexico at this restaurant. If you want great cuisine with a staff that knows how to party, oh boy, you’re in for a special treat! Since 1983, this family-owned restaurant serves a variety of traditional fare (and seafood) and hosts live bands every night of the week. Enjoy an ice cold bucket filled with your favorite Mexican beer or their homemade sangria!
Nuevo Léon Restaurant (1515 W. 18th St.): Since 1962, Nuevo Leon has been serving quality, authentic Mexican food. Choose from a variety of genuine dishes that is each served with hot, home-made tortillas. The only downfall is that they only accept cash, and the restaurant doesn’t have a liquor license. That doesn’t stop anyone though, because even though they don’t serve alcohol, you can definitely BYOB!
