The City of Chicago is gearing up to celebrate Mexican Independence Day with a vibrant array of events and parades across the city. The festivities will feature the exciting new El Grito festival in Grant Park, taking place on Saturday, September 14th, and Sunday, September 15th, leading up to the official holiday on Monday, September 16th. With citywide celebrations expected, residents and visitors are strongly encouraged to utilize public transportation and plan for extra travel time.
Mexican Independence Day is a significant occasion to honor culture and heritage. The City of Chicago emphasizes celebrating responsibly and safely. Attendees are reminded to be considerate of local communities and residents, particularly around critical facilities like hospitals. It’s also crucial to remain vigilant and give way to first responders and emergency vehicles navigating through celebration areas.
To ensure public safety throughout the city during these celebrations, the City of Chicago is implementing comprehensive measures. The Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) will activate the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to closely monitor all Mexican Independence Day events and other citywide festivals. The EOC will serve as a central hub for coordinating resources and responses to any emergency situations that may arise.
The Chicago Police Department (CPD) will maintain a visible presence throughout the city to ensure safe celebrations and enforce traffic regulations. This includes addressing illegal obstructions, stopping, parking violations, and any interference with traffic flow. Motorists should be aware of potential street closures and traffic diversions, especially in the Central Business District, should they become necessary to manage traffic effectively.
Mexican Independence Day Activities Across Chicago
Expect increased traffic congestion in downtown Chicago and areas hosting events as Mexican Independence Day celebrations continue through September 16th. Be prepared for possible street closures in the Central Business District and traffic detours to manage traffic flow. If you plan to travel in these areas, please allow for additional time.
Access Points for Residents and Workers
For residents, employees, and essential workers needing access to areas affected by celebrations, designated access points will be available. Individuals attending events or with reservations within these areas should be prepared to show proof of reservation, such as tickets or electronic confirmations.
The access points are located at:
- Halsted/Division
- Halsted/Chicago
- Halsted/Washington
- Halsted/Madison
- Halsted/Jackson
- Division/LaSalle
- Roosevelt/Canal
- Desplaines/Canal
- 18th/State
- 18th/Michigan
- 18th/Indiana
For those heading to El Grito in Grant Park, parades, special events, or local restaurants, utilizing public transportation options like the CTA, Metra, Uber, and Lyft is highly recommended.
El Grito Festival – Grant Park
Dates: Saturday, September 14th and Sunday, September 15th
Time: 2 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Location: Butler Field in Grant Park
The inaugural El Grito Festival in Grant Park’s Butler Field promises a weekend filled with music, delicious food, and vibrant celebrations of Mexican independence. Jackson Drive will be closed from Columbus Drive to DuSable Lake Shore Drive for the event. Attendees are strongly encouraged to use public transportation. Parking is available through Millennium Garages, the official event parking partner. Millennium Park Garage and Millennium Lakeside Garage are conveniently located across the street from the festival at 5 S Columbus Drive. Pre-book parking online at Millennium Garages to take advantage of a special El Grito parking discount. For complete festival details, visit the official Grito Fest website.
2024 El Grito Family Run/Walk 5K – Little Village
Date: Sunday, September 15th
Time: 10 a.m. – Noon
Location: Little Village
Participate in the annual El Grito 5K run/walk in Little Village. The race begins at the corner of 26th Street and Kostner Avenue, proceeds to Kedzie Avenue, and returns down 26th Street to Manual Perez, Jr. Plaza. For registration and further details, please visit ElGrito.enmotive.com/events.
26th Street Mexican Independence Day Parade – Little Village
Date: Sunday, September 15th
Time: Noon – 3 p.m.
Location: 26th Street, Little Village
The traditional 26th Street Mexican Independence Day Parade will commence from the iconic Little Village Arch at 26th Street and Albany Avenue. The parade will proceed along 26th Street to Kostner Avenue. For complete parade information, visit the Little Village Chamber of Commerce website.
Annual Mexican Patriotic Parade – Commercial Avenue
Date: Sunday, September 15th
Step Off: 1 p.m. (Assembly begins at 10 a.m.)
Location: Commercial Avenue
The Annual Mexican Patriotic Parade will march south along Commercial Avenue from 87th Street to 100th Street, concluding at 101st to 103rd Street.
Staying Safe and Informed
Report Suspicious Activity: If You See Something, Say Something™
The OEMC reminds everyone to remain aware of their surroundings and report any suspicious activity, especially in crowded areas. If you observe something concerning, notify on-site security personnel or call 9-1-1 immediately. The “If You See Something, Say Something™” campaign emphasizes 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 – Know Before You Go
For easy access to safety and preparedness information, residents and event-goers are encouraged to download the Chicago OEMC App. This public safety tool provides essential safety information, preparedness tips, emergency alerts, real-time weather updates, and more, all at your fingertips. The app is available for download in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. You can also find more information on the OEMC website: Chicago.gov/OEMC.
Pole Markers/Location Identifiers in Grant Park
For enhanced public safety around the lakefront, attendees at events and concerts in Grant Park should note the pole marker numbers located throughout the park. These numbers can be used to pinpoint your exact location if you need to call 9-1-1 in an emergency. Dispatchers and first responders can quickly identify your location using these markers. Pole markers can also serve as helpful meeting points for friends and family if you become separated. For detailed information, visit Chicago.gov/OEMC/Pole Marking/Location Identifiers.
Public Transportation Information
Public transportation is highly recommended for attending Mexican Independence Day events. Both the CTA and Metra will be operating and providing services. For detailed schedules and route information, please visit the CTA website at TransitChicago.com and the Metra website at Metra.com.
Weather Awareness and Public Safety
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 provides timely alerts and notifications regarding weather conditions and emergencies to keep residents and attendees informed. Stay connected by:
- Signing up for NotifyChicago alerts at NotifyChicago.org
- For lakefront notices, text “CHILAKE” to 7-8-0-1-5
- For alerts affecting businesses, text “CHIBIZ” to 6-7-2-8-3
For further emergency preparedness information, please 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)..
