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✝️🎥 Capture the 49th Annual Pilsen Via Crucis: Living Way of the Cross 📸✝️

49th Annual Pilsen Via Crucis: Living Way of the Cross, a tradition in the Pilsen neighborhood since 1977

To celebrate a longstanding Chicago tradition, thousands gather along 18th Street in Pilsen every Good Friday for the Pilsen Via Crucis (Living Way of the Cross) — a powerful, moving reenactment of the Passion of Christ that has taken place every year since 1977.

I’ve attended this event several times and find it deeply inspiring. Whether you’re religious or not, this is truly something to experience in person — just for the incredible photography and cultural significance alone.

📅 Event Details
🗓 Date: Friday, April 3, 2026 (Good Friday)
⏰ Time: 8:45 AM – approx. 2:30 PM (end time flexible & weather dependent)
📍 Meet Location: 799 W. 18th Street, Chicago
🚶 Walking Distance: Approx. 1.5–2 miles, mostly outdoors
🔔 Please arrive by 8:45 AM so we can get positioned before the opening scenes begin.

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⚠️ IMPORTANT – PLEASE READ ⚠️
THIS IS A MOSTLY OUTDOOR EVENT WITH CONTINUOUS WALKING.
We will be following the procession on foot for much of the route.
🧥 Dress for the weather (layers, comfortable shoes, rain gear if needed)
🚶‍♀️ Expect standing, walking, and slow movement with large crowds
🌦️ Event is rain or shine — however, if conditions are very cold or heavy rain, the host may cancel for safety and comfort
👉 NO PARKING on 18th Street during the procession.
If driving, plan ahead — the procession does NOT end where we start, and you will need to walk back to your car unless you park strategically.

⏱️ Timing:
I don’t know the exact timing of each station, but plan about 2.5 hours if you want to see the entire reenactment. We may not stay for the full event, but we’ll try to see most of it and then end with lunch in Pilsen before restaurants get overwhelmed.

🚶 Important Notes (Please Read):

  • This is a walking procession following the crowd
  • 1.5–2 miles total, mostly outdoors
  • Dress for the weather
  • Event happens rain or shine
  • If it is very cold or heavy rain, I will cancel — it’s too much time outdoors

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📸 PHOTOGRAPHERS: READ THIS
This is a fantastic street photography opportunity — emotional scenes, movement, and powerful visuals.
⚠️ Fast-moving event — plan to shoot on the go
🎒 Bring lightweight gear only (no time for tripods)
🚶‍♀️ We’ll often move ahead of the procession for clearer angles
🚉 Some photographers stand on the 18th Street Pink Line station platform for overhead shots
👀 Stay alert and respectful — crowds are dense and constantly shifting
👉 Think mobility over perfection — this is about moments, not setups.

🗺️ 2026 UPDATED ROUTE & LOCATIONS
(Locations subject to change)
NEW START LOCATION (as of 2025)
📍 18th Street & Halsted Street Approx. Address: 799 W. 18th St
Scenes include:

  • The Last Supper
  • Prayer in Gethsemane
  • Jesus before Pontius Pilate

🆕 Last year marked a major change — the opening scenes will take place outdoors on a stage, rather than inside Providence of God Church. “Moving the opening scenes outdoors will make the experience more accessible and more deeply engaging for the community.” — Nellie Quintana, Director

Middle Stop
📍 Harrison Park 1824 S. Wood St.

  • Crucifixion reenactment

End
📍 St. Pius Church 1919 S. Ashland Ave, Chicago

  • Closing prayer service (We usually pull off at Harrison Park and head to lunch instead.)

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🌮 Lunch in Pilsen (After the Walk)
After the procession, some of us will grab lunch at one of the nearby restaurants in the area. These places do not take reservations so we will go where the most seats are available!

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📖 About the Via Crucis
The Pilsen Via Crucis (Living Way of the Cross) is a free, family-friendly Good Friday tradition that reenacts the final day of Jesus Christ’s life through live scenes and a solemn procession along 18th Street. Thousands attend each year, rain or shine.

The Pilsen Via Crucis-Living Way of the Cross, is an annual tradition that has taken place every Good Friday since March 28, 1977. Participants of this graphic, live re-enactment, begin at 18th Street and Union, at Providence of God Church and interpret the Last Supper, prayer at Gethsemane and Jesus before Pilate. Participants then process along 18th street for the Crucifixion, located at Harrison Park, 18th and Wood.

The final stop is at St. Pius Church for the closing reflection.
This event appeals to thousands of Pilsen community members, many who follow the Stations of the Cross procession along 18th Street yearly, rain or shine

🔗 Learn more:

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🚗 Parking & Transportation

  • NO PARKING on 18th Street during the procession
  • Metered parking on Halsted & 19th
  • Free side streets (check signs for permit parking)
  • If driving, consider parking near the end or midpoint — the procession does NOT end where it begins
  • CTA riders: 👉 https://www.transitchicago.com/planatrip/

⚠️ RSVP & No-Show Policy (Please Respect)

  • 3 no-shows without updating your RSVP = 3-month event ban
  • RSVP cutoff = event start time
  • If late, message the host
  • Failure to check in with host counts as a no-show
  • Continued no-shows may result in removal from the group

Related topics

Events in Chicago, IL
Culture
Socializing
Photography
Walking
Holidays

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