Little Village Local

11/03/2024

Plaza Garibaldi, Little Village, 1992: For decades, Plaza Garibaldi has served as a meeting point for the unique fusion of rodeo and Mexican culture. Charreadas, unlike Western American rodeos, aren't just about competition and prizes; for Mexican Americans, it’s a celebration of cultural heritage—a meaningful traditional expression beyond the arena, defining the essence of what would be simply considered just a "rodeo" to some.

To this day, amidst a constantly evolving Little Village marked by new developments and newcomers, Plaza Garibaldi continues to stand as a timeless destination, offering an authentic Mexican cultural experience for residents in La Villita.

Photos by: Amanda Alcock

29/01/2024

Street views of Pilsen, Chicago, summer of 1993.

📁: Chicago Sun-Times collection, Chicago History Museum.

12/10/2023

We are very saddened by the loss of a beloved neighborhood staple in Little Village, Librería Girón will be closing it’s doors. We invite you to show your support during this time as they will be offering discounts and a sale on many books. Their doors will remain open until December 31st.

Ada Alicia Girón, born on May 10th, 1936, in Guatemala City, aspired to become a teacher, believing in the power of knowledge and education: When she moved to the United States, she aimed to expand her horizons. During her time here, she met Julio Girón, and together they founded Libreria Girón in Chicago in 1957. This small electronic shop blossomed into a book retail empire with nine stores across Chicagoland.

Tragedy struck when Julio died in a car accident while returning from Guatemala, leaving Ada Alicia with six children. Determined, she, with her children's help, expanded the business, leaving a lasting legacy in Pilsen and Little Village communities. Over the years, Libreria Girón hosted numerous literary figures and Latino celebrities, such as Jorge Ramos, Roger Patron Lujan, Maria Antonietta Collins, and many more. For over 65 years, the Girón Family provided bestsellers and independent books for the Spanish-reading community. Ada Alicia passed away on August 29th, 2019, remembered as a passionate, wise book lover, who believed in the power of education and literature.

23/03/2023

We encountered Don Jose as he was clearing out his shop on the other side of Discount Mall, where he had been a tenant for many decades. During our conversation, he shed light on Novak's unethical strategies and provided us with insight into the possible fate of the remaining tenants.

As the situation remains difficult, it is crucial that we offer our support to these vendors. Given what we already known about Novak's questionable actions, one can only wonder what lies ahead for the historic Discount Mall and the potential exacerbation of gentrification in Little Village in the near future.

10/03/2023

Submit your best Little Village photos! Help us capture and celebrate our community. We want to gather beautiful, real-life images of Little Village it's people for usage in this mural, please submit entries to our email: [email protected] or inbox us!

📣 Exciting news! We're happy to announce plans for the creation of a beautiful mural that celebrates the history and culture of Little Village! Over the next few months, we'll be working with Little Village Local to source historic photos and videos of the community, as well as finding the perfect artist to bring our vision to life.

Stay tuned for updates and join us in celebrating the vibrant and resilient spirit of Little Village!

06/02/2023

Hello everyone, we’ve launched two first edition limited run tote bags in collaboration with .pintamuro.

Your purchase will assist our efforts for future planned art projects in the neighborhood this year.

Tote bags are %100 printed by us, we hope you enjoy! We’ve also included $5 patches as well. Link is in bio!

https://littlevillagelocal.bigcartel.com

tlazocamati ✨

12/12/2022

Little Village, circa 1979. View north of Cermak & California.

15/11/2022

Extremely grateful to have gotten momentous opportunity to have brought this mural to life at El Meson in the town of Cicero, thank you to staff and the owners for their hospitality and for entrusting our vision with this project.

We dedicate this mural to the people of Cicero and to the legacy and traditions left by our ancestors, we hope that this project can the open up and spark up conversations and and highlight the importance of Indigeneity, heritage and the stories and passed on knowledge of our descendants.

07/11/2022

Historic images of takeover of Froebel Branch by students, parents, community groups, and the Brown Berets on June 4, 1973. That morning, parents did a sit-in in front of the main office and pressured to meet with the Board, while hundreds of other parents and community members occupied the school.

Protests intensified in 1973 when the school superintendent recommended shutting down the school and transferring its 400 students to Harrison. He blatantly ignored the protesters’ request for a new facility and the logistical challenge of more kids crossing gang lines to attend Harrison, the demonstration resulted in numerous episodes of police brutality against the Chicano community

In 1973, the school board approved the construction of a new high school in the Pilsen neighborhood to celebrate that victory La Fiesta del Sol—was organized for the first time. Since then, La Fiesta del Sol has been an annual celebration of Pilsen

It took time and continued pressure to bring their vision to fruition. Benito Juarez Community Academy finally opened its doors on September 16, 1977.

04/10/2022

🖤🖤🖤

❤️🇲🇽❤️

29/09/2022

Little Village, circa 1974. Views all along 26th St.

By the beginning of 1980, Latin Americans would represent 47% of the population with Mexicans as the dominant ethnic group in Little Village.

11/09/2022

Mexican Independence Day parade in Little Village. September 11, 2022.

Rain or shine Little Village came out.

26/08/2022

😂😂😂

22/08/2022

Early fall day in Pilsen, 1981. View looking north along South Carpenter Avenue forwards the intersection with 18th St.

22/07/2022

Come out, August 13!

13/07/2022

Lana del Rey, baby what is you doing on 26th and California? 😭

10/07/2022

Little Village September 22, 2003. Second images includes mural with the face of Little Village labor activist and community organizer Rudy Lozano.

07/07/2022

It’s amazing to see how many people from various walks of life have sprouted from the streets of La Villita and seeing the amazing feats they accomplished, and places they’ve gone despite the circumstances, grateful for La Villita. 🇲🇽

Es asombroso ver cuántas personas de diversos caminos de la vida han brotado de las calles de La Villita y ver las increíbles hazañas que lograron y los lugares a los que han ido a pesar de las circunstancias, agradecidos por La Villita. 🇲🇽

07/07/2022

Thousands of spectators cheering during the annual Mexican Independence Day parade down on 26th St Little Village, September 1994.

The parade returns this September 11.

05/07/2022

Little Village, Chicago. Summer of 2005.

02/07/2022

Hello everyone, asking y’all to come support the newest locally owned business in Little Village, a space to stop by to get yourself some delicious freshly made churros, and a fresh brewed coffee. The first of its kind mortar and brick churro shop in the neighborhood come check it out over at 26th & Drake

Hola a todos, les pido que vengan a apoyar el negocio local más nuevo en La Villita, , una chuerreria para pasar a comprar unos deliciosos churritos recién hechos y un cafécito recién hecho. ven a conocerla en la 26th y Drake.

18/05/2022

Raul’s Birthday Show at Jurassic Park in Little village. June 7, 2014.

10/05/2022

Feliz día de la madre a todas la madres del barrio. Little village, circa 1977.