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Chicago braces for celebratory chaos this weekend as Mexican Independence Day festivities begin

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Published  September 12, 2024 4:58pm CDT
Loop
FOX 32 Chicago

Mexican Independence Day festivities return to Chicago, traffic jam chaos possible

Mexican Independence Day falls on Monday, Sept. 16, but celebrations have already begun and will continue to ramp up.

CHICAGO - Chicago is home to one of the largest Mexican American communities in the nation, and this weekend, Mexican pride will be on full display in celebration of Mexican Independence Day.

The holiday falls on Monday, Sept. 16, but celebrations have already begun—and are only ramping up.

Each year, the festivities draw massive crowds and late-night caravans. Chicago Police Department officials in the 1st District said they anticipate gridlock traffic in parts of downtown as early as Friday evening.

Street closures aren't planned, but the city’s Office of Emergency Management & Communications (OEMC) announced they are possible. Officials are encouraging residents to prepare for longer commutes and utilize public transit where possible.

City leaders and local organizers are working to balance a celebratory, yet safe weekend.

"We’ve been planning for this with the city and others for many months," said Michael Edwards, president & CEO, Chicago Loop Alliance.

In Grant Park, the El Grito Fest is making a comeback this Saturday and Sunday after a 10-year hiatus. Setup for the event was underway Thursday afternoon.

"It should be terrific and take a little bit of pressure off the celebrations out on the street," said Edwards. "We think this is a great opportunity to experience another culture, we’re all about everyone’s neighborhood here in downtown."

On the street, caravans concentrated downtown should still be expected. If needed, OEMC will implement rolling street closures.

In that case, residents and workers will still be able to access their homes and jobs at the entry points listed below:

  • Halsted/Division
  • Halsted/Chicago
  • Halsted/Washington
  • Halsted/Madison
  • Halsted/Jackson
  • Division/LaSalle
  • Roosevelt/Canal
  • Desplaines/Canal
  • 18th/State
  • 18th/Michigan
  • 18th/Indiana

"If you’re a resident, make sure you have your ID card in case there’s a street closure. If you’re going to the theater, have your tickets available to prove you’re actually going to the theater, that may happen and we need to be prepared," said Edwards.

Edwards adds, the Chicago Loop Alliance will have 30 ambassadors working the area to serve as extra sets of eyes and ears for CPD. Some of them will be on the clock until 2 a.m. They are dressed in yellow and black uniforms, and the public is encouraged to ask them for guidance, if needed.

Also preparing for an influx of visitors is the city’s Little Village neighborhood.  

At noon on Sunday, the 26th Street Mexican Independence Day Parade will step off at 26th Street and Albany Avenue. It will stretch for about two miles, ending at 26th Street and Kostner Avenue.

"It’s very special to be able to honor this tradition and to see the representation of all of the Mexican traditions that we celebrate in our culture," said Jennifer Aguilar, executive director, Little Village Chamber of Commerce. "I encourage people to attend these celebrations, to really enjoy these moments with their families, and to celebrate our culture and our identity respectfully."

More than 400,000 spectators are expected.

"It’s going to be a beautiful display of colors, and dance, and horses, so it's very exciting," said Aguilar.

Consul General of Mexico in Chicago Reyna Torres Mendivil shares that the weekend is a special time to pass on traditions to younger generations.

"It’s a fantastic opportunity for Mexican parents or parents with Mexican heritage to talk to the kids about the history of Mexico," said Torres Mendivil.

Ambassador Torres Mendivil is also urging those celebrating to do so safely.

"This should be a time to celebrate, to show our pride for our culture, particularly, to celebrate our community and celebrate responsibly, putting priority in the safety of everybody in the town," said Torres Mendivil.

There are several other events unfolding across the city this weekend, including the Guatemalan Independence Day Parade in Albany Park, the Lakeview East Festival of the Arts, and the Race to Wrigley 5K charity run.

For more information, including weekend public safety tips from OEMC, click HERE.