Go see Pilsen!

I love Pilsen.  It's such a cool neighborhood in our super cool city of Chicago.  In years past, we've had the opportunity to take students to Pilsen this time of year for a day of Mexican American culture touring the neighborhood, visiting the local businesses, EATING, and also for a tour of the National Museum of Mexican Art.  Everything about these field trips has been amazing and such an awesome learning experience for our students.  The museum in particular is a highlight.  I have been there at least five times and every single visit I'm excited by the exhibits they have.  While I've been to there at different times of the year, the trip in October/November is definitely my favorite!  Every year the museum has a big exhibition for El día de los muertos (The Day of the Dead).  While I haven't had a chance to see this year's exhibit, I know that it's worth a visit.  According to their website, this year's Day of the Dead exhibit is called Rito y Recuerdo: Day of the Dead.  It looks pretty awesome and I need to get a visit planned ASAP!  One of my favorite experiences is purchasing a sugar skull made  and personalized by the Mondragón family.

I think that going to visit this neighborhood gives someone the chance to not only know more about our spectacular city, but also to learn more about Mexican American culture in a very friendly, comfortable manner.  This kind of trip is especially educational for younger people to know more about the big world they live in and how so much of it is so close to us on a daily basis.