I’m holding on to summer as long as I can, but the kids sporting backpacks and shortening days tell me that September has arrived.
September marks the start of Hispanic Heritage Month. In recognition, this month’s calendar featured a storied artwork from Chicago’s Pilsen community.
Casa Aztlán was a Pilsen community center primarily serving the Mexican immigrant community. Artist Ray Patlan painted a mural celebrating that community through traditional Mexican elements and local references. After the beloved mural was painted over by a developer in 2013, Patlan repainted it, adding new elements. The building now houses apartments, a sign of the gentrifying neighborhood, but the proud community still shines.
What does the mural mean to you?
Want to discover other hidden places in Chicago? Check out my books Secret Chicago: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure and Chicago Scavenger!
Wondering what to do in Chicago this month? I’ve rounded up 30 fun things to do in Chicago in September!
Jessica Mlinaric founded Urban Explorer in 2010 to inspire curious travelers by highlighting history, culture, and hidden gems in Chicago and beyond. She is the author of ‘Secret Chicago’ and ‘Chicago Scavenger,’ and she has contributed to several travel guidebooks. Jessica has visited 20+ countries and 30+ U.S. states. She has more than 16 years of experience as a marketing strategist and works as a freelance writer and photographer.
