By: Ashmar Mandou
Mexican Independence Day is upon us and we want nothing more than to provide you with an assortment of fun-filled activities across the city. So we’ve rounded up a list of events sure to make everyone fall in love with the rich culture and traditions of Mexico, once again. Enjoy!
Event: John Jota Leaños, Imperial Silence: Una Opera Muerta
Description: Cultural taboos around silence, death, and dissent are presented through a multimedia performance that fuses Mexican folklore dance, Mariachi music, and blues.
Where: Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, 220 E. Chicago Ave.
When: September 14-16 at 7:30p.m.
Contact: 312-397-4010
Mcachicago.org.
Event: Día de Los Muertos Exhibit Opening
Description: Join National Museum of Mexican Art (NMMA) for the opening reception of one of Mexico’s most important celebrations and the largest annual Day of the Dead exhibition in the U.S.
Where: NMMA, 1852 W. 19th Street
When: Members’ preview Thursday, Sept. 13 from 6-8:30p.m.
Opening Reception, Friday, Sept. 14 from 6-8:30p.m.
Contact: 312-738-1503
Nationalmuseumofmexicanart.org.
Event: Sugar Skull Demonstrations
Description: The Mondrago Family from Toluca, Mexico will show attendees how to make sugar skulls.
Where: NMMA, 1852 W. 19th Street
When: Saturday, 15 at 10a.m.
Contact: 312-738-1503
Nationalmuseumofmexicanart.org.
Event: Mexican Independence Day Parade
Description: Celebrate the rich culture of Mexico in downtown Chicago.
Where: Columbus Drive from Balbo to Monroe
When: Saturday, Sept. 15 at noon.
Event: Pilsen Mexican Independence Day Parade
Description: Mexican Independence Day Parades begin this weekend. Be sure to bring your flags, appetite, and dancing shoes.
Where: Newberry and 18th Street
When: Saturday, Sept. 15 at noon.
Event: El Grito at Millennium Park
Description: Relish in the independence of Mexico with a great family event. Be prepared to showcase your best grito.
Where: Millennium Park, 201 E. Randolph St.
When: Saturday, Sept. 15 from 9p.m., to 10p.m.
Event: South Chicago Mexican Independence Day Parade
Description: An array of floats, mariachi bands, and dancers will take center stage.
Where: 8700 S. Commercial Ave.
When: Sunday, Sept. 16 at 2p.m.
Event: Stephanie Salas
Description: For the first time in Chicago, Stephanie Salas will be part of the Sor Juan Festival 2012. She will be in town to promote her latest album, Soy Lo Que Soy.
Where: NMMA, 1852 W. 19th Street
When: Sunday, Sept. 16 at 2p.m.
Contact: 312-738-1503
Nationalmuseumofmexicanart.org.
Event: Buen Provecho! Pilsen
Description: The historic Pilsen community will be bustling with hungry visitors attending the annual Buen Provecho! Pilsen.
Where: Carpenter Street
When: Sunday, Sept. 16 at 2p.m., to 7p.m.
Contact: 312-733-2287
Eighteenthstreet.org.
Event: El Grito Comedy Jam
Description: Enjoy the comedic styles of Jorge “DJ Cooch” Aldama, Joey Villagomez, and Gwen La Roka. Mikey O. Productions.
Where: Joe’s Bar, 940 W. Weed St.
When: Sunday, Sept. 16 at 7:30p.m.
Contact: Mikeyocomedy.com.
Event: George Lopez That’s The America I Live In Tour
Description: George Lopez is a multitalented entertainer whose career encompasses television, film, and stand-up comedy.
Where: The Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St.
When: Saturday, Sept. 22 at 7p.m.
Contact: thechicagotheatre.com.
