Hundreds of thousands of people are expected in Chicago this weekend as Little Village and Grant Park host Mexican Independence Day and El Grito celebrations.

On Sunday, Sept. 15, Chicago’s 53rd annual 26th Street Mexican Independence Day Parade — one of the largest neighborhood parades in the Midwest — begins at noon in Little Village. Organizers said about 400,000 people will participate either as participants or spectators.

“Expect a vibrant show as parade participants showcase an array of traditions from different regions and cultures,” a description of the event reads. “From the elegance of the Quinceañeras to the captivating rhythms of Mexican folk dances and the artful Charrería, the parade will be a kaleidoscope of experiences that highlights the essence and diversity of Mexican heritage in Chicago and throughout the United States.”

The theme of this year’s parade is “Tu Mexico, Tu Chicago.” The parade will focus on Mexican identity and culture, with representation from all Mexican states being a priority, organizers said.

In addition to the Mexican Independence Day festivities, an El Grito Festival is planned in Grant Park. According to organizers, it will be the first time in 10 years that there will be an organized El Grito celebration in the city.

As in previous years, the celebrations in Chicago are expected to include street closures, car convoys and traffic delays.

“Expect increased traffic downtown and at events throughout the city through September 16 due to festive events,” said an alert from the Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications. “If necessary, expect street closures in the Central Business District as well as detours to control traffic flow. Plan accordingly and allow extra time when traveling in the area.”

Here you can find out everything you need to know about the start of the celebrations.

Parade and road closures for Mexican Independence Day

The annual parade, considered one of the largest neighborhood parades in the Midwest, begins at noon on Sunday, September 15, according to organizers.

Parade route

The parade will begin in Little Village, at the historic Little Village Arch at the corner of 26th Street and Albany. The route will go down 26th Street to Kostner Avenue, organizers said. Here’s a map of the entire Mexican Independence Day route.

Parking restrictions for parades and road closures

According to organizers, there will likely be parking restrictions along the parade route. Parking will not be permitted in surrounding areas from 4 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

“Access roads to the parade route will be closed,” organizers said. “Parking is limited and road closures will make access to the route very difficult.”

Road closures for the event include a major closure of 26th Street and from California to 26th Street and Kostner Avenue. Sawyer at 26th Street and Ridgeway Avenue at 26th Street will also be closed.

Further information can be found here.

The best place to see the parade

The organizers emphasized that spectators should arrive early.

“However, the traditional Mexican feeling of happiness and celebration will be felt everywhere,” organizers said.

One of the most popular areas along the route is 26th Street between Pulaski Avenue and Kostner Avenue, organizers said, but added that spectators on California Avenue and California Boulevard will not be able to see much because that area is closed for construction.

Watch the parade live

Mexican Independence Day in Chicago will be broadcast live from noon to 1 p.m. on Telemundo Chicago, NBC Chicago’s streaming channel, on Telemundo.com, NBCCHicago.com and the Telemundo and NBC Chicago apps. The broadcast will run until 1:30 p.m. on the NBC Chicago streaming channel and on the NBC Chicago and Telemundo websites and apps.

El Grito Festival and road closures

In addition to the Mexican Independence Day celebrations, the family-friendly El Grito Festival will take place in Grant Park on Saturday and Sunday, featuring music, food and celebrations of Mexican independence.

The festival features national and local musicians, including mariachis, authentic Mexican cuisine for the whole family and much more. It takes place daily from 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Tickets

El Grito is a ticketed event; according to organizers, day tickets start at $10.

Only access to the Grito ceremony on Sept. 15 is free, but registration is required, organizers said, and a waiting list has already been established. Participants will have access to the festival on Sunday from 7 to 10 p.m.

Impact on traffic

Jackson will be closed between Columbus and DuSable Lake Shore Drive, and residents are strongly encouraged to use public transportation on both event days.

Increased traffic is to be expected in the city center and at event locations, officials said. Further road closures would be implemented “if they become necessary.”

According to authorities, ramp closures on regional highways were also carried out during the celebrations.

El Grito celebrations and festivities had previously taken place in Chicago, but were discontinued about 10 years ago, according to a recent Chicago Tribune article. In recent years, this “celebration gap” has often been filled by hundreds of people gathering downtown with Mexican flags and car convoys in the days leading up to Mexican Independence Day.

“Excessive” traffic possible

Earlier this week, Chicago OEMC officials sent out an alert warning of possible increased and “excessive” traffic volumes and temporary street closures due to various Mexican Independence Day celebrations downtown.

City officials also urged residents participating in the events – which in recent years have included car convoys – to “be respectful of their neighbors and communities, as well as the employees of important facilities such as hospitals.”

“You should also be alert to first responders and emergency vehicles that must travel through areas where celebrations are taking place throughout the city,” the warning said.

In the event that access to the Central Business District is restricted due to the festivities, a series of checkpoints will be set up for residents, staff and critical care workers to allow entry, the city said. These will be set up at the following locations:

• Halsted/Division
• Halsted/Chicago
• Halsted/Washington
• Halsted/Madison
• Halsted/Jackson
• Division/LaSalle
• Roosevelt/Canal
• Des Plaines/Canal
• 18^th/Condition
• 18^th/Michigan
• 18^th/Indiana

History of Mexican Independence Day

On September 16, 1810, the Mexican priest Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla delivered the “Grito de Dolores,” a fiery speech that began the eleven-year struggle to end Spanish colonial rule.

On September 16, 2024, Mexicans in Chicago and around the world will celebrate Mexican Independence Day – Mexico’s independence from Spain – with planned parades, festivities and more.

However, the holiday is often confused with Cinco de Mayo, which years later commemorated the triumph of the Mexican army in the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862.

In Chicago, Mexican Independence Day celebrations have long attracted hundreds of thousands of people, and the events provide a glimpse into the size and growth of the Mexican community in the city and its suburbs.