This year Chicago had it’s first ever Cuban Festival and we decided to head on over and see if they could, in any way, compete with Naph’s mom’s black beans. My handsome hubby is 1/2 Cuban. His grandparents came to the United States in 1969 with three children and the fourth born 3 days after their arrival. Their story is amazing, inspiring and humbling! It has brought a new light of culture and activism into my life. So we went to celebrate the beauty and traditions of Cuba despite it’s political unrest.

This was the pulled pork and black beans with Yuca. It was delicious but nothing like Mama’s.

I also found this delicious empanada filled with fresh cheese and guava jelly. It too was delicious but I wouldn’t rate it with what I grew up with. But for being Cuban food and at a festival in the US was still pretty darn awesome. Not to mention the company.

This guy was Cubano to the max. He had the bling, the shoes, the hat and the flag shirt, not to mention the awesome jeans.

This brought both of us back to our homes and the way people go above and beyond to sell their products…hilarious – yes.

And the keeper. I had quite a few awesome shots of the latina mamitas that were at the festival but this wedgie…I mean woman, stole my heart.

The music wasn’t the greatest, the park was kind of low but I hear it picked up later on in the night, but all in all I was with great company and had a great day talking about our latin heritage.

Coming up soon will be a bit more explanation of the Cuban history in my husband’s life.

Lovies