Chicago prepares for celebratory chaos this weekend as Mexican Independence Day celebrations begin

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

The holiday falls on Monday, September 16, but the celebrations have already begun – and are only getting better.

Each year, the festivities draw huge crowds and revelers, and Chicago Police Department officials in the 1st District said they expected traffic congestion in parts of downtown as early as Friday night.

Road closures are not planned, but the city’s Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) has said they are possible. Authorities are urging residents to prepare for longer trips and to use public transportation when possible.

City leaders and local organizers are working to create a festive yet safe weekend.

“We have been planning this with the city and others for many months,” said Michael Edwards, president and CEO of the Chicago Loop Alliance.

El Grito Fest returns to Grant Park this Saturday and Sunday after a 10-year hiatus. Setup for the event began Thursday afternoon.

“It should be great and take some of the pressure off the celebrations on the street,” Edwards said. “We think this is a great opportunity to experience another culture. Here in the downtown area, we’re all about being neighbors.”

On the road, you can still expect concentrated caravans in the city center. If necessary, the OEMC will implement rolling road closures.

In this case, residents and employees can continue to access their homes and workplaces via the access points listed below:

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

“If you live here, make sure you have your ID with you in case a street is closed. If you go to the theater, have your tickets ready to prove you are actually going to the theater. That can happen and we need to be prepared for it,” Edwards said.

Edwards adds that the Chicago Loop Alliance will have 30 ambassadors in the area to serve as extra eyes and ears for the CPD. Some of them will be on duty until 2 a.m. They will wear yellow and black uniforms and the public is encouraged to ask them for advice if needed.

The Little Village district is also preparing for an influx of visitors.

The 26th Street Mexican Independence Day Parade will begin at noon on Sunday at the corner of 26th Street and Albany Avenue. It will stretch for about two miles and end at the corner of 26th Street and Kostner Avenue.

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

More than 400,000 spectators are expected.

“It will be a beautiful spectacle of colors, dances and horses, so it is very exciting,” Aguilar said.

Mexican Consul General in Chicago Reyna Torres Mendivil explains that the weekend is a special opportunity to pass on traditions to younger generations.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for Mexican parents or parents of Mexican descent to talk to their children about the history of Mexico,” said Torres Mendivil.

Ambassador Torres Mendivil also urges those celebrating to enjoy the festivities with caution.

“This should be an occasion to celebrate, to show our pride in our culture, especially to celebrate our community and to celebrate responsibly, putting the safety of everyone in the city first,” Torres Mendivil said.

There are many other events taking place throughout 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 the OEMC, click HERE.