Chicago ready to celebrate Mexican Independence Day in "full force," with parades, El Grito festival

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and other city public safety officials discussed plans for two major events celebrating Mexican Independence Day this weekend.

El Grito music festival will be hosted in Grant Park all weekend, while the 26th Street Mexican Independence Parade will be held in Little Village on Sunday.

Thousands of people flock downtown for El Grito, which in 2024 led to street closures and lots of traffic downtown. Last year the festival was canceled because of concerns about immigration raids as the Trump administration launched Operation Midway Blitz just the week before. The festival will be back in Grant Park on Saturday an Sunday.

"This year, being back holds a special meaning. After taking a pause in 2025 out of care for our community safety during a very difficult political climate, El Grito is returning to Grant Park this year," El Grito organizer Korina Sanchez said.

Little Village's Mexican Independence Parade did go on as planned last year, with no issue and much celebration, but some spectators said attendance was down because of fears regarding immigration raids and ICE detentions. While Operation Midway Blitz officially ended last November, many in Little Village say the neighborhood is still chilled by the enforcement, and that raids and deportations continue to this day.

"It's been a bit of a rollercoaster ride, to be honest, during the year. There's definitely business owners that are still struggling with the losses and the impact due to Midway Blitz," said Jennifer Aguilar, executive director of the Little Village Chamber of Commerce. "Definitely, the continued [immigration enforcement] activity that we have seen recently has definitely caused an impact, and anytime there's activity, it will cause foot traffic to drop here on 26th street. So, we've definitely seen improvements, but it's definitely not back to normal"

This year, Chicago city leaders said they will be celebrating in full force.

"Last year was challenging for all of us," Mayor Johnson said, "but especially for our Latino and immigrant neighbors."

Johnson said things will be different this year compared to last, and that's because he's joining community leaders in encouraging people to come out and celebrate Mexican independence.

"We're actually coming outside, and we're celebrating, and we're not going to allow the federal government to intimidate and stop us from celebrating Mexican heritage," he said. "This year, I hope Mexican Independence Day can be an opportunity for Chicago to reclaim some of the joy that was lost last year and deliver a moment of healing."

This year's parade will be held from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., starting at the Little Village Arch at 26th Street and Albany Avenue and continuing down to 26th and Kostner. 

And along with El Grito downtown, there is also the Chicago Football Classic at Soldier Field and a performance from Chief Keef at Northerly Island. To ensure there are enough security resources for all of these events, Interim Police Superintendent Fred Waller said at least one day off for officers will be canceled.

"We have been preparing for parades in Pilsen, Little Village, and South Chicago, as well as El Grito in Grant Park," Waller said. "There will be an increased police presence in the downtown area, where we anticipate increased traffic and car caravans throughout the weekend."

While they encourage people waving flags with pride, officials reminded the city that flagpoles extended from cars are not allowed.

"We will not cower, bend. We certainly will not break. We will wave our flags, march in our parades and proudly display Mexican art, food, music, and culture in our parks, streets, and throughout our neighborhoods around Chicago," said Johnson.

The mayor said he's proud of the people in Chicago who have kept each other safe and stood the test of time.

"The best way to celebrate is to exhibit joy and to support these small businesses that help drive our economy," he said. "We will not be intimidated. We're not going to back down. We're going to come out and celebrate. Viva Mexico!"

City leaders encouraged anyone who can take public transportation over the weekend do, as dozens of road closures downtown and in other parts of the city are expected over the weekend.