Mexican Independence Day, a vibrant commemoration of culture and heritage, will be celebrated across the City of Chicago with a series of events and parades. Highlighting the festivities is the new El Grito festival in Grant Park, taking place on Saturday, September 14, and Sunday, September 15, leading up to the official holiday on Monday, September 16. The City of Chicago encourages everyone to join in the celebrations, while prioritizing safety and responsibility throughout the holiday period.
Public transportation is highly recommended for navigating the city during these events. Residents and visitors are advised to plan their routes in advance and allow for extra travel time due to increased traffic and potential street closures. The City emphasizes the importance of celebrating respectfully, urging participants to be considerate of neighbors, communities, and essential workers at facilities like hospitals. It’s also crucial to remain mindful of first responders and emergency vehicles that may need to access areas where celebrations are taking place.
The City of Chicago is implementing comprehensive measures to ensure the safety of all residents during the Mexican Independence Day festivities. The Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) will activate the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to closely monitor all events and festivals citywide. The EOC will play a critical role in coordinating resources and responses to any emergency situations that may arise throughout the city.
To further enhance public safety, the Chicago Police Department (CPD) will maintain a visible and active presence throughout the city. CPD officers will be responsible for enforcing traffic regulations, addressing illegal obstructions, parking violations, and any actions that disrupt the flow of traffic.
Mexican Independence Day Activities Across Chicago
Expect increased traffic congestion, particularly in the downtown area and around event locations, due to Mexican Independence Day celebrations extending through September 16. Street closures and traffic diversions may be implemented in the Central Business District as needed to manage traffic flow effectively. If you plan to travel in these areas, please allow for additional time to reach your destination.
Designated Access Points
For residents, employees, and critical care workers who live or work within impacted zones, access will be granted at specific entry points. Individuals attending events or with reservations within these areas should be prepared to present proof of their reservation, such as tickets, electronic confirmations, or other relevant documentation, to gain entry.
The designated access points are:
- Halsted/Division
- Halsted/Chicago
- Halsted/Washington
- Halsted/Madison
- Halsted/Jackson
- Division/LaSalle
- Roosevelt/Canal
- Desplaines/Canal
- 18th/State
- 18th/Michigan
- 18th/Indiana
To reach events like El Grito in Grant Park, parades, special events, or local restaurants and businesses, consider utilizing various transportation options including the CTA (Chicago Transit Authority), Metra commuter rail, Uber, or Lyft.
El Grito Festival in Grant Park
Saturday, September 14, and Sunday, September 15, from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Grant Park’s Butler Field will come alive with the El Grito Festival, a vibrant celebration featuring music, food, and the spirit of Mexican independence. Please note that Jackson Drive will be closed from Columbus Drive to DuSable Lake Shore Drive for the event. Public transportation is strongly recommended for attendees. Parking is available through Millennium Garages, the official event parking partner. Millennium Park Garage and Millennium Lakeside Garage, conveniently located across the street from the festival at 5 S Columbus Drive, offer parking. You can pre-book parking online HERE to take advantage of a special El Grito parking discount. For complete festival information, please visit the official Grito Fest website: Grito Fest | Festival in Chicago, IL (elgritochicago.com).
El Grito Family Run/Walk 5K – Little Village
Sunday, September 15, from 10 a.m. to Noon
Participate in the annual El Grito 5K run/walk in Little Village. The race begins at the corner of 26th Street and Kostner Avenue, proceeding to Kedzie Avenue before turning back down 26th Street to Manual Perez, Jr. Plaza. For further details and registration information, please visit: ElGrito.enmotive.com/events.
26th Street Mexican Independence Day Parade – Little Village
Sunday, September 15, Noon to 3 p.m.
The traditional 26th Street Mexican Independence Day Parade in Little Village will commence at the historic Little Village Arch, located at 26th Street and Albany Avenue. The parade will proceed down 26th Street to Kostner Avenue. For complete parade details, please visit: LittleVillageChamber.org/26th-street-mexican-independence-day-parade/
Annual Mexican Patriotic Parade – Commercial Avenue
Sunday, September 15, Parade Step Off: 1 p.m. (Assembly begins at 10 a.m.)
The Annual Mexican Patriotic Parade will take place on Commercial Avenue, heading south from 87th Street to 100th Street, and concluding at 101st to 103rd Streets.
Be Vigilant and Report Suspicious Activity
The OEMC reminds everyone to remain aware of their surroundings and report any suspicious activity, especially in crowded areas. If you observe anything suspicious, please notify onsite security personnel or call 9-1-1 immediately. “If You See Something, Say Something™” is a national campaign that highlights the critical role of public awareness in reporting potential threats to law enforcement. It’s important to remember that “lone offenders and small groups motivated by a range of ideological beliefs and personal grievances continue to pose a persistent threat to the United States.”
Chicago OEMC App: Your Safety Tool
For convenient safety and preparedness information, residents and event-goers are encouraged to download the Chicago OEMC App. This public safety resource provides vital safety information, preparedness tips, emergency alerts, real-time weather updates, and more, all at your fingertips. App users can also access current weather forecasts, radar, and other weather-related information. The app is available for download on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. You can also visit the OEMC website for more information: Chicago.gov/OEMC.
Pole Markers/Location Identifiers for Lakefront Safety
For enhanced public safety on the lakefront, attendees at events and concerts in Grant Park and along the lakefront are advised to note the numbers on the poles located throughout the area. These pole markers serve as location identifiers, allowing you to provide precise location information to 9-1-1 dispatchers in case of an emergency. These markers can also be helpful as meeting points for friends and family if you become separated. For complete details about pole markers and location identifiers, please visit: Chicago.gov/OEMC/Pole Marking/Location Identifiers.
Utilize Public Transportation
As with any large-scale event in Chicago, public transportation is highly encouraged for Mexican Independence Day celebrations. Both the CTA and Metra will be operating services. For detailed information on schedules and routes, please visit the CTA website at TransitChicago.com and the Metra website at Metra.com.
Stay Informed About Weather and Public Safety
The OEMC, in collaboration with public safety partners, will be actively monitoring events and weather conditions. Chicagoans are advised to stay informed about weather forecasts and follow any instructions or warnings issued by public safety officials. Check the weather forecast before heading out and stay updated through local media or weather apps.
OEMC issues alerts and notifications to keep residents and attendees informed about weather conditions and any emergencies. Stay connected through the following channels:
- NotifyChicago Alerts: Sign up at NotifyChicago.org
- CHILAKE Lakefront Notices: Text “CHILAKE” to 7-8-0-1-5
- CHIBIZ Business Alerts: Text “CHIBIZ” to 6-7-2-8-3
For additional emergency preparedness information, visit the OEMC website at Chicago.gov/OEMC. You can also follow the Office of Emergency Management and Communications on social media: Facebook (@coemc), Twitter (@ChicagoOEMC) and Instagram (chicago_oemc_911).
