Mole de Mayo: Attending Street Festivals in Chicago
One thing that I love about Chicago is the endless amount of community events to attend on any given day. This past weekend, I attended Mole de Mayo, a festival in the Pilsen neighborhood that celebrates the traditional mole sauce. I heard some people talking about it in my Event Planning class and thought that it would be a perfect way to fill my Saturday, and it was the right choice!
I arrived in Pilsen to crowds of people leading up to the festival street. It was the definition of hustle and bustle, but I almost did not notice since all I could focus on were the delicious aromas of tacos, mole, barbeque, and churros. It was a foodie dream with options for everyone and the widest variety of aguas frescas I had ever seen in my life. We wandered through the crowds and admired the various stands with local live music in the background. We were also lucky to have such nice weather- it was a bright and sunny day with a light breeze- perfect for a day outside.
I arrived in Pilsen to crowds of people leading up to the festival street. It was the definition of hustle and bustle, but I almost did not notice since all I could focus on were the delicious aromas of tacos, mole, barbeque, and churros. It was a foodie dream with options for everyone and the widest variety of aguas frescas I had ever seen in my life. We wandered through the crowds and admired the various stands with local live music in the background. We were also lucky to have such nice weather- it was a bright and sunny day with a light breeze- perfect for a day outside.
Beyond the joy of eating fresh tacos, Mole de Mayo also featured local small businesses from Pilsen selling apparel, jewelry, and more. You really got a feel for the neighborhood and the culture of its families through this festival- that community love was strong with attendees of all ages and backgrounds. I had yet to explore Pilsen before this festival so this was a great way to see a different area of Chicago and appreciate its offerings. My roommate’s family is also from Pilsen, so we definitely plan to come back and just walk around during the summer.
The main event for me was the Lucha Libre wrestling ring set up in the middle of the festival. Right on the street, a full ring was organized with fighters in vibrant outfits. Many had masks in bright colors on as they fought which is common for Lucha Libre. They were amazing- doing flips, flying across the ring, and really connecting with the crowd. It felt like you were a part of the fight experience and offered people a chance to learn about the tradition behind Lucha Libre wrestling. This was a wild time and I loved it!
Overall, Mole de Mayo has been one of my favorite festivals of the season- it was teeming with community connection, incredible food, entertainment, and a celebration of Mexican culture. Much like the other street festivals flurried across Chicago, Mole de Mayo is incredibly accessible. I simply took a bus ride with my student U-Pass to attend and admission is by donation.
Being at a city-based university like DePaul has opened me up to so many opportunities to have fun and learn about the different cultures that make up Chicago. Next time you’re free during the weekend, check out a local festival and find community beyond campus in Chicago- there is no shortage of options!
~Breanne