Chicago City Wire

The City of Chicago will celebrate Mexican Independence Day with multiple events and parades citywide, including the new El Grito festival in Grant Park on Saturday, September 14, and Sunday, September 15. The official holiday is Monday, September 16.

Mexican Independence Day is a day of cultural commemoration, and the City of Chicago encourages those celebrating to do so safely and responsibly. "We remind those participating in events to be respectful of their neighbors and communities, as well as workers at critical facilities such as hospitals," officials stated. They also urged participants to be mindful of first responders and emergency vehicles required to pass through areas where celebrations are occurring citywide.

The city is taking appropriate measures to ensure the safety of all residents around celebratory activities throughout the city. The Chicago Police Department (CPD) will be visible and present to ensure safe celebrations by enforcing adherence to traffic regulations.

Residents should expect increased traffic in the downtown area and other event locations through September 16 due to celebratory activities. Street closures may occur in the Central Business District along with diversions to control traffic flow. Residents who live or work in affected areas, employees, and critical care workers will be allowed entry at designated access points.

For those planning to attend El Grito in Grant Park or other events, transportation options like CTA, Metra, Uber, and Lyft are recommended.

The El Grito Festival at Grant Park’s Butler Field will feature music, food, and a celebration of Mexico’s independence from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. on both days. Jackson Boulevard will be closed from Columbus Drive to DuSable Lake Shore Drive. Parking is available through Millennium Garages across the street from the festival at 5 S Columbus Drive.

The annual El Grito Family Run/Walk 5K will take place in Little Village on Sunday, September 15 from 10 a.m. to noon. The route starts at the corner of 26th St. and Kostner Ave., proceeding to Kedzie Ave., then back down 26th St. to Manual Perez Jr. Plaza.

Additionally, the 26th Street Mexican Independence Day Parade in Little Village will occur on Sunday, September 15 from noon to 3 p.m., starting at the historic Little Village Arch on 26th Street and Albany Avenue.

The Annual Mexican Patriotic Parade on Commercial Avenue will also take place on Sunday, September 15 with assembly beginning at 10 a.m., stepping off at 1 p.m., heading south along Commercial Avenue from 87th St. to disbanding between 101st St. and 103rd St.

Officials remind attendees that if they see suspicious activity during these large gatherings, they should notify onsite security or call 9-1-1 under the national anti-terrorism public awareness campaign "If You See Something, Say Something™."

For safety information and preparedness tips, residents are encouraged to download the Chicago OEMC App available through Apple App Store and Google Play Store or visit Chicago.gov/OEMC.

Event attendees are reminded about pole markers/location identifiers attached throughout Grant Park area for reference during emergencies by calling 9-1-1.

Public transportation is highly encouraged for all large-scale events with services provided by CTA and Metra.

OEMC advises residents to stay aware of weather conditions during events by tuning into local media or using weather apps for updates.

For additional emergency preparedness information visit Chicago.gov/OEMC or follow OEMC on Facebook (@coemc), Twitter (@ChicagoOEMC), and Instagram (chicago_oemc_911).