Next on the street fest circuit? Puerto Rican Fest in Humboldt Park.
The community named after German explorer Alexander Von Humboldt became part of Chicago in 1869. A neighborhood long home to immigrants, Puerto Rican culture and influence can be found all over Humboldt Park today.
Paseo Podcast host Joshua Smyser-DeLeon grew up in the area and has seen it change. He told the City Cast Chicago podcast what to check out.
Something to eat: “Nellie's has one of my favorite breakfast dishes: avena, which is basically Spanish for oatmeal. They call it avena de coco. They use coconut milk, and it is probably the best oatmeal I've ever had. I have failed to recreate it.”
Something to drink: “Esmeralda's Tiki Bar has great drinks and a great ambiance. What I love about it is even though it's Cuban owned, they still respect the imprint of Puerto Rican culture.”
Something to see: “Definitely check out the Paseo Boricua flag. It’s not every day you have the largest monument to a flag in your backyard. The National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture is also a beautiful place.”
Something to do: “Paseo Boricua actually does a mural tour, and it’s pretty affordable.”
Boundaries of Humboldt Park. (Google Maps)
🇵🇷 What can you expect at the fest? Carnival rides, a plátano cook-off, salsa music, the annual parade, and more from Thursday to Sunday.
