Chicago Weekend Fun!

Cinco de Mayo translates litterally in to “The 5th of May”. This doesn’t help us sort out the origins or the meaning of this festive holiday but we usually celebrate in Chicago all weekend long leading up to the holiday anyway. This year is no exception with lots of Restaurants and Bars have a lot going on this weekend and on Monday May 5th to celebrate Cinco de Mayo.

It is a common misconception that Cinco de Mayo is Mexican Independence Day, but it is not. That is actually September 16th. Cinco de Mayo is more of a Mexican Heritage Celebration for everyone who is Mexican in descent and not living in Mexico. It commemorates a battle won by a General Ignacio Zaragoza Seguín over French forces in the Battle of Puebla in Mexico on May 5 in 1862. So it has something to do with celebrating independence and resisting foreign rule, but not in the way many people think.

Chicago is one of the places in the United States that has a large Mexican population so this holiday is always a favorite here. It also serves as a party subject for many Spanish classes in Illinois since foreign language is required for most college entrance prerequisites. And that furthers the popularity of the holiday with people who aren’t Mexican at all but enjoy the culture, language and food from Mexico. So, just about everyone will hear, see or do something related to Cinco de Mayo this Weekend and next week on the 5th of May except people who actually live in Mexico.

Some suggestions for celebrating in Chicago this weekend are:

1. If you live in Oak Park check out the special menu and drinks for Cinco de Mayo at Maya Restaurant on Oak Park Avenue. I was walking by the other day and they have everything from crepe paper streamers to Mexican music playing that adds to the festivity. Maya is a great upscale Mexican fusion restaurant much like what you see on Mexico One Plate at a Time with Rick Bayless. They actually have a Chef from Rick Bayless’ restaurant downtown. I really enjoy this restaurant and you will too. The dinner menu has entrees from $12.00 - $25.00.

2. Check out the Free Cinco de Mayo Festival on May 2, 3 and 4 (from 10 am to 10 pm) in Lawndale for an authentic Mexican experience. The festival includes lots of food, live bands and a Parade. It is located at 1401 S. Sacramento Drive Chicago, IL 60623. Call 773-762-2842 for more information.

3. The Adobo Grill in Wicker Park also has special menu items and drinks to celebrate this weekend. They are located in East Village / Ukrainian Village at 2005 W. Division St. Chicago, IL 60622. This weekend there are $5 margarita specials and a live Mariachi band playing.  Call 773-252-9990 for reservations and more information.

4. The El Nuevo Mexican Restaurant in Lakeview is also featuring Cinco de Mayo specials if you live in that area of the city.  They are an upscale Mexican restaurant that offers great service and interesting twists on traditional Mexican food.  They are located at 2914 N Clark St between Oakdale Ave & Surf Street in Chicago, IL 60657. Call 773 528-2131 for reservations this weekend, it will most likely be very crowded.