As the Pilsen Renaissance continues, local officials, business owners and residents celebrated the neighborhood’s kick-off holiday shopping campaign with a little festive flare.

Last Friday, the Pilsen community braved the deep freeze and gathered at Plaza Tenochtitlan for the second annual 18 Days on 18th Street, a shop local initiative organized by The Resurrection Project, Alderman Danny Solis of the 25th Ward and the Greater Pilsen Economic Development Association.

In an address to the crowd, Alderman Solis thanked participating businesses and organizations participating in 18 Days on 18th Street as well as the community.

“I want you guys to visit them over these next 18 years because if they do well, our community does well,” Alderman Solis said.

The 18 Days on 18th Street event featured a tree lighting ceremony, performances by children’s choirs and mariachi groups and actors costumed as graceful swans. Local vendors also provided hot beverages and snacks to the crowd.

Highlights of this Pilsen-based shop local initiative are free trolley tours of the neighborhood, a traditional Posada celebration, deals and discounts promoted by local businesses and local artist and music showcases occurring every week.

For more information on 18 Days on 18th Street, visit www.greaterpilsen.org/18days2013.