Where To Celebrate Cinco De Mayo On 26th Street In Little Village, The ‘Mexican Capital Of The Midwest’

Neighbors can find shopping, dining and nightlife options and participate in cultural events along the vibrant corridor.

LITTLE VILLAGE — Chicagoans looking for ways to celebrate Cinco de Mayo can head to Little Village’s vibrant business and cultural corridor.

The neighborhood is the “Mexican capital of the Midwest,” with one of the largest populations of Mexican American residents — and a stroll through West 26th Street shows the diverse food and shopping options honoring those roots, said Ald. Michael Rodriguez (22nd).

“Twenty-sixth Street is second to nobody. We are not the second Magnificent Mile. We are the Magnificent 2 Miles,” Rodriguez said.

While the area’s annual Cinco de Mayo parade was canceled due to fears of immigration raids, the Southwest Side neighborhood offers shopping, dining and cultural options to celebrate Mexican and Mexican American culture, said Jennifer Aguilar, executive director of the Little Village Chamber of Commerce.

As one of the most important commercial corridors in Illinois, Little Village’s 26th Street is home to more than 500 licensed businesses and serves as a business incubator for many aspiring entrepreneurs, Aguilar said. Its unique shopping and cultural options attract visitors from all over the Midwest and the rest of the country.

“It is one of the largest tourism hubs for Mexicans in the United States. That’s something that we’re seeing grow every year,” Aguilar said.

Little Village was designated an Illinois Cultural District in 2024, officials announced in an April 19 ceremony. This designation is given to towns or geographic areas with a distinct shared historical and cultural identity that binds the community, according to the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Development.

“‘La Villita’ is not just a neighborhood — it’s a cultural force that has shaped Chicago and
communities across the country,” Rep. Jesus “Chuy” Garcia said in a press release.

Below are options to celebrate Cinco de Mayo in the neighborhood:

Visit Little Village Restaurants

Little Village is home to a notable food scene with “iconic” restaurants and street vendors, Aguilar said. For a Cinco de Mayo-themed celebration, Chicagoans can visit options such as Mi Tierra Mexican Restaurant, 2528 S. Kedzie Ave., where Mexican food and drinks will be paired with mariachi, Aguilar said.

Other local favorites include Nuevo Leon Restaurant, 2657 W. 26th St.; Taquerias Atononilco, 3916 W. 26th St.; and El Faro Restaurant, 3936 W. 31st St.

A hidden gem for some of the best al pastor tacos is Asian Cuisine Express, 3823 W. 31st St., Rodriguez said.