On Independence Day, a group of children played soccer on the sunlit lawn, with small American flags waving in the grass.

Description: This podcast explores how Chicago celebrates holidays through its landmarks and neighborhoods. From Memorial Day parades downtown to Independence Day fireworks in the suburbs, I share how these events create both joy and community, showing why Chicago’s holiday spirit feels meaningful and unique.

Listen here:

 

Transcript (provided by author):

Welcome to the ELI’s Finding Chicago Global Perspectives Podcast Series for AEPP 2025. I’m your host, Evelyn Chen, and I’m currently based in Chicago with my family.

When you hear “holiday celebration,” what comes into your mind? Fireworks? Music? After two holidays in Chicago, my answer changed.

Just a few weeks after I arrived here, it was Memorial Day. Early that morning, I went to the Daley Plaza. The first thing I saw was a famous statue which is the Chicago Picasso. Right beside it, a ceremony was going on. The mayor spoke briefly; people stood quietly; flowers were placed with care. In that moment, celebration felt like remembrance.

Then the mood shifted. We moved to State Street for a parade. Students from different schools and organizations marched in uniforms. You could hear drums rolling with banners moved down the street. One group, the Lane Tech band, even had a tiny bear mascot. It noticed us watching and waved which made the experience really interesting and everyone laughed. The energy was serious and joyful at the same time, like the city holding two emotions in one hand.

A few weeks later came the Independence Day. On a sunny afternoon, I drove about thirty minutes to Bolingbrook. The celebration was set up on a golf field, and the grass was covered with family tents and picnic blankets. People played different outdoor games. And you can see food trucks providing snacks and dining options. After dark, a live band took the stage. Kids ran right up to the front, dancing happily with joy and laughter. The interaction between the audiences and the band was interesting. Between songs the singer laughed and said, “Thank you, you’re making me feel like a star!” And honestly, they are.

Later, the mayor came out, made a short speech, and announced what everyone was waiting for, the fantastic fireworks. When the first burst opened above the filed, the crowd cheered together. All neighbors and strangers looking up. On the highway back downtown, fireworks from other Chicago neighborhoods kept rising into the sky. The whole city is filled with a passionate atmosphere. The celebration lasted late into the night which was truly fantastic.

In the days after those celebrations, I kept thinking about how distinct Chicago’s holidays are. First, the city ties festival to its landmarks. On Memorial Day, the event is not only at Daley Plaza. The parade was along the state street. So it also passes famous landmarks like the Chicago Theatre. On Independence Day, you can see fireworks rise from Navy Pier, echoing across Lake Michigan and light up the whole sky. People can see them from far away. Generally, this links people’s holiday memories to the city’s iconic architecture and shoreline. This could attract more participants and also create strong, shared visual impressions for them that last longer than a single night.

What moved me even more was the community cohesion. Chicago is called a city of neighborhoods, and during festivals different communities would gather. People talk, play, and celebrate with each other. And even though each neighborhood brings its own character and pride, this process would improve relationships between each other. Also, the city invest public resources to make these gathering possible, and residents respond on July 4th, many wear flag-themed clothing and join with real passion.

What makes this possible? I believe it’s Chicago’s deep history and its great network of public buildings and spaces that are great for large-scale celebrations. The city has a long history in hosting grand events. And the city government has great experiences in planning, to carrying on the cultural heritage. The city’s diverse population represent different culture from every corner around the world. This would add endless variety to these celebrations. Just as important, Chicagoan’s share strong relations to their neighborhoods. At gatherings, you see smile everywhere, and that joy is out of their heart. Perhaps that is why Chicago’s holiday celebrations feel both fun and meaningful.

And I believe another secondary reason is due to the season. Due to the geographical location, summers are brief and precious here. So, when warmth and sunshine arrive, people don’t celebrate quietly. What is best to celebrate the festival should be throw yourself into the beautiful and nice public space and enjoy yourself for a long time with others.

Thank you for listening to my podcast. My instructor told me about Casimir Pulaski Day, which is a special holiday here in Chicago. I’m really interested in learning more bout it, and I think it will be my next holiday to explore. What do you think? Have you hear Casimir Pulaski? I’d love to hear your thoughts.