By Amelia Orozco, Hola America
Pilsen, IL- Since its first year in 2009, Mole de Mayo has been the artsy, musical, culturally rich event of the year in one of Chicago’s most iconic neighborhoods—Pilsen. But don’t let the name fool you, there is so much more than mole at MDM. Along with the delicious mole from local Pilsen businesses, you will also find other neighborhood delights, both savory and sweet.
Even though Mole de Mayo measures up to some of the other music festivals in town each year, the fee to enter is still only a $5.00 donation for individuals and $10.00 for families. The admission is a donation, which helps support ESDC (Economic Strategies Development Corporation), a local organization whose sole mission is to, “Enhance the socioeconomic well-being of communities, businesses, and individuals through sustainability and financial independence. ESDC supports existing businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs through no-cost technical assistance, training, and resources provided through city, state, and federal programs.” ESDC does everything it can to promote financial independence for Pilsen residents, from learning about financial responsibility to starting and maintaining a successful business.
Mole de Mayo is where the community comes together to support each other’s businesses and to stimulate the local economy. The reasons behind Mole de Mayo are the driving force behind a successful and exciting event each year.
There will be two main stages where local and international musical talent performs cumbia, bachata, world music and much more. In addition, there are always cultural folkloric performances like mariachi bands.
More than Mole
An exciting feature is the yearly lucha libre exhibitions, where wrestlers go at it, fully masked, bouncing back and forth between the cords on the ring, while the crowd cheers them on.
A great way to memorialize the event is to buy the official t-shirt with a fresh design by a local artist. You can find it in the festival open market while supplies last. There, you will also find all kinds of vendors, selling art, jewelry, apparel and other one-of-a-kind item from local artists. ESDC has always supported independent artists as their work has, “contributed to the world-renowned identity of the Pilsen neighborhood.” Taking home a piece of that culture and history in the form of a souvenir is priceless.
Mole de Mayo
May 26 – May 28, 2023
Friday, May 26, 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Saturday, May 27, Noon to 10:00 p.m.
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