Pilsen Celebrates Fiesta del Sol
West Side
Fiesta del Sol is an annual festival created to celebrate and strengthen the neighborhood of Pilsen, a community of primarily Mexican Americans.
The festival, held every August, has the food, music, and cultural celebrations expected at a community summer festival. However, the Pilsen Neighbors Community Council aims to provide more than entertainment through the event and its other activities. The organization brings together the people of Pilsen to improve schools, fight discrimination, and otherwise advocate for the Latino community.
Fiesta del Sol originated in 1973 when, after thousands of residents participated in a two year campaign, the Chicago Board of Education agreed to build a new high school for the students of Pilsen. The community celebrated with a two day street party.
The spirit and mission of Fiesta del Sol and the Pilsen Neighbors Community Council is detailed in the colorful event program from the 1982 event.
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