The largest celebration of Mexican heritage and culture in the Midwest takes place in the heart of Chicagos Little Village neighborhood. Celebrating its 25th year in 2014, Festival de La Villita (aka Little Village Festival) is a grand community gala that officially commemorates Mexico’s independence from Spanish rule. It also celebrates the rich traditions of the Latino family.
Festival de La Villita offers something for every family member: entertainment, games for kids and adults, carnival rides and more. In addition, nearly 100 vendors offer a wide variety of arts, crafts and merchandise along with authentic cuisine and drink. Top local, regional and international musical acts perform, and popular stars from the worlds of soap operas and sports (plus TV/radio celebrities) make appearances which further build event excitement with the crowds.
On the last day (Sunday, September 14), Festival de La Villita becomes the end destination for the 26th Street Mexican Independence Day Parade which funnels into the festival and brings thousands more to this celebration of Hispanic culture.
The Fiestas Patrias celebration illuminates the Mexican culture with a vibrant and colorful atmosphere. Corporations, businesses and government agencies participate in the parade demonstrating its great marketing mechanism. The annual parade attracts over 200,000 spectators and consumers who tune in for the television broadcast.
