This Saturday, September 15, Mexican-Americans will initiate their celebration of Mexican Independence Day by remembering “El Grito de Dolores,” a call to arms uttered originally by the revolutionary priest Miguel Hidalgo in the town of Dolores, Guanajuato. “El Grito” signified the beginning of the ten-year Mexican fight for independence from Spain, but over time it has become a cultural symbol for the success of that struggle.

In the Pilsen and Little Village areas of Chicago, neighborhoods that carry the cultural roots of the city’s Mexican-American population, the celebrations will last long into the night on Saturday and continue all Sunday long. If you are up for a cultural adventure, join in on one of the parades Saturday or Sunday. The Pilsen celebration of El Grito de Independencia takes place from 5-10pm at Harrison Park.

If you just realized for the first time that Cinco De Mayo is not the same as Mexican Independence Day, then why not ease your way into the experience by walking down 18th Street in Pilsen and sampling some of the best Mexican food in Chicago?

Your Pilsen Paseo starts at 18th and Halsted and moves west on 18th St to Paulina.