Mexican heritage celebrated in several events around Chicago to mark Mexican Independence Day

CHICAGO (WGN) — Celebrations of culture, pride and tradition will take over multiple parts of Chicago throughout several events to celebrate Mexican Independence Day.

El Grito Chicago is already underway in Grant Park, bringing together music, food, art and dancing to celebrate Mexican culture and pride.

Also Sunday is the 26th Street Mexican Independence Day Parade, which kicks off in Little Village at 2 p.m. Additionally, there's a parade Sunday on the Far South Side, which starts at 1 p.m. near East 87th Street and South Commercial Avenue.

Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to attend Mexican Independence Day celebrations around Chicago on Sunday after several events, including the El Grito Festival, kicked off Saturday.

City leaders say they're prepared for everything, from large crowds to deportation concerns in the wake of Operation Midway Blitz, the Trump administration's recent crackdown on immigration in the Chicago area.

This year's Mexican Independence Day celebrations mark a drastic shift from last year, when Operation Midway Blitz and deportation fears forced many celebrations to be cancelled. Mexican Independence Day is officially this Wednesday, Sept. 16.

"I am seeing a little less fear, because it isn't as 'hot' as it was the year before," Christina Gonzalez of Taqueria Los Comales said. "But there is still something in the back of people's minds."

City officials say an increased police presence is expected at Sunday's events, including the parade in Little Village, which kicks off at noon near West 26th St. and South Albany Avenue. There's also a parade Sunday on the Far South Side, which starts at 1 p.m. near East 87th Street and South Commercial Avenue.

"Our police department has been working to make sure that we're protecting the rights of the residents of our city," Mayor Brandon Johnson said. "We are a welcoming city."

City officials also say to expect traffic delays downtown and in some neighborhoods Sunday while these events are taking place.

El Grito underway

After being cancelled last year due to concerns over ICE officials and deportation efforts, the two-day El Grito Festival made its return to the heart of downtown Saturday in Grant Park, celebrating everything Mexican heritage has to offer.

Reina Guadarrama couldn't help but feel the beat and dance along as she watched traditional moves she learned as a little girl in Mexico.

“When I was in fourth grade, we were dancing to those movements,” Guadarrama said.

While crowds come to see modern artists, dancers with Ballet Folklorico Nacional de Chicago are finding joy in connecting audiences to traditions passed down through the generations.

“Knowing that I make other people feel connected to their culture, knowing that they might not be able to be there with their family back in Mexico, or wherever they’re from, it just makes me feel really happy,” Sofia Bautista with Ballet Folklorico Nacional de Chicago said.

Along with food, dancing and music, dozens of vendors are taking part in the El Grito Festival.

“El Grito means the cry of independence,” Korina Sanchez, founder of the El Grito Festival, explained. "... Our traditions endure, our community will come together proudly and strongly."

Opal Gonzalez was one of the youngest people in the crowd Saturday. Her mom wants her to have fun with friends while also embracing her Hispanic roots.

“I need her to know at a very young age her roots, her heritage, so that she carries it with her,” Nicole Weathers Gonzalez, Opal's mother, said.

Some attendees say they’re feeling a sense of relief this year after celebrations in 2025 were scaled back because of Operation Midway Blitz.

“Last year was a little hard for the Hispanic community, but it seems like things this year have calmed down,” attendee Reyna Cuevas said Saturday.

El Grito continues Sunday afternoon, beginning at 2 p.m. General admission tickets are $20, but admission is free starting at 8 p.m. Sunday for those who sign up online for the El Grito Civic Ceremony.

The festival concludes at 10 p.m. Sunday. Visit elgritochicago.com for a full music lineup, a list of food vendors, tickets and more information.

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