The 43rd annual Puerto Rican Day Festival and the Puerto Rican People’s Parade are back again from June 9-12 with the parade taking place on the 11th. The celebration will be in Puerto Rico Town also known as Paseo Boricua. Presented by the Puerto Rican Cultural Center in Chicago, the celebration starts in Humboldt Park and will include a lively parade, food, and a celebratory atmosphere!
The festival will feature a carnival with a bevy of thrilling rides and games like a dominos tournament, artist performances, live music, and more. Friday is a freestyle fiesta while Saturday and Sunday include a Salsa and Merengue dance. The multi-day event is also sure to include plenty of food and drink options with traditional beverages. The 22nd Barrio Arts Festival also takes place on the same weekend, starting Saturday from 10 AM-6 PM and Sunday from 11 AM-5 PM.
Before the fun starts over the weekend, you’ll have an opportunity to celebrate on Thursday, June 8 for a free community day starting at 4 PM and going until 10 PM. Grab a free ticket while you can and have a blast at the carnival. The carnival will be open Friday from 4 PM-10 PM, and then Saturday and Sunday 12 PM-10 PM. Proceeds from the festival will go to the Tu Casa Project.
As for the parade on Saturday, it starts at Division Street and Campbell Street, and will proceed west through Paseo Boricua in Humboldt Park before ending on Sacramento and Division.
Ticket prices are around $8 for individual days, though you can also purchase a 2 day pass. VIP tickets on Saturday are $75, and Sunday go down to $50. Find all the ticket info here.
Address: Humboldt Park , 2800 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622
[Featured image via: Paseo Boricua Tour Co]