The traditional Mexican Independence Day parade and festival are taking place this weekend, and the Little Village neighborhood is getting ready.
For the first time this year, the festivities take place on the actual holiday. Little Village will have around 400,000 visitors, making it the largest Midwest event.
The main focus of this celebration is Mexico’s independence from Spain.
The annual 5k race and walk will begin on Saturday at 10 a.m. at the intersection of 26th and Kostner. At Manual Peres Jr. Plaza, the race comes to a close.
The parade then begins at noon from the famed Little Village Arch at 26th & Albany. Tu Mexico, Tu Chicago is the parade’s theme this year, focused on Mexican identity and culture.
The colorful floats will depict the various Mexican states, ethnicities, and traditions throughout the procession. Mariachi music, a lot of dancing, & artists are all to be anticipated.
Since the event is on a Saturday rather than a Sunday, the Little Village Chamber of Commerce said they anticipate a significant increase in attendance this year.
In recent years, some have chosen to increase festivities by bringing havoc to the streets with car caravans and pyrotechnics.
Many are urging people to enjoy responsibly and with less commotion this year.
“We support respectfully conducted celebrations. That is why we chose to have our rally on a Saturday and on the anniversary of Mexican Independence in an effort to persuade people to join us there rather than travel downtown. Jennifer Aguilar, executive director of the Little Village Chamber of Commerce, acknowledged that some people might choose to celebrate in that manner.
According to city officials, the Office of Emergency Management and Communications and the Chicago Police Department are coordinating their efforts to manage traffic.
Car caravans that endanger public safety are not permitted, according to the city.
Street closures are currently unknown.