‘I Heart Halal’ celebrates Islam in Chicago

Attendees try samples of Halal cuisine at this year's biggest, Chicago-based, Islamic festival.

By Andy Graham
Medill Reports

Organizers for this year’s inaugural “I Heart Halal” festival at Navy Pier were surprised at the turnout. Roughly 17,000 people — more than triple the number expected — attended the weekend-long celebration of Halal culture.

The events ranged from culinary contests to fashion shows.

Photo at top: Attendees try samples of Halal cuisine at this year’s biggest, Chicago-based, Islamic festival. (Andy Graham/MEDILL)