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Yearly festivals

These are festivals and program series that happen on a regular or annual basis.

Annual Blessing of the Rides

4518 S McDowell Ave, Chicago, IL 60609
Back of the Yards

Local annual lowrider car and bike gathering, featuring a blessing, raffles, live music, and drink specials.

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Fiesta Back of the Yards

1823 W 47th St, Chicago, IL 60609
Back of the Yards

In 1940, the Back of the Yards Neighborhood Council introduced an annual community festival that was known as the Free Fair; this month-long event served as both an opportunity to bring entertainment and activities to the Back of the Yards neighborhood and as a fundraiser for the BYNC’s various programs. The event features a wide array of music and dance performances including aztec dancing, ballet folklórico, mariachi, banda, etc. Additionally, the event hosts live painting by local artists and many art vendors sell their art.

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Fiesta de la Vida

Back of the Yards

In 2016, Fiesta de la Vida became a week long celebration of life organized by Alderman Raymond Lopez + many other community organizations. It was planned on the same weekend as the Dia de los Muertos Procession and many community members believed it was an attack from the Alderman in response to their refusal to let him hang his banners and have main stage at this community focused event. This festival did not continue after this year.

Back of the Yards Community Led
Dia de los Muertos Procession

W Exchange Ave &, S Peoria St, Chicago, IL 60609
Back of the Yards

Community led yearly event, started in 2011. Free art sessions/ project building/ support community groups with projects for event/promote art and culture.

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El Grito de la Independencia

Back of the Yards & Brighton Park

Mexican celebration of independence on September 16th. Community joins together on the streets to yell for independence.

Christmas Posadas

Back of the Yards & Brighton Park

Mexican Catholic tradition that happens before christmas day. Every night between Dec 16th and the 24th community walks from church to different community homes asking for "shelter" for the birth of Jesus and a celebration ensues every night in different neighborhood homes.

The Folded Map Project

6301 S Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60621
Englewood

Tonika Lewis Johnson’s Folded Map™ Project visually connects residents who live at corresponding addresses on the North and South Sides of Chicago. She investigates what urban segregation looks like and how it impacts Chicago residents.

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