Cicero is located in northeastern Illinois in Cook County along Interstate 55 near the downtown Chicago area. The population estimate for July 1, 1998 was 71,289, an increase of 3,853 since 1990. The city is the state's 20th largest in population.
Cicero is home to Morton College, a community college serving the area.
The annual "Houby Festival" (pronounced ho-bee and meaning mushroom) celebrates Czechoslovakian traditions with arts and crafts and traditional Czech cuisine. In addition, not only does the city go all out on St. Paddy's Day but St. Josephs Day, as well. The celebration has Sicilian beginnings that honors its saint with a magnificent meatless feast.