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. Public Transportation is strongly recommended, and residents should plan ahead and allow extra time before heading out.

Mexican Independence Day is a day of commemoration of culture 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. They should also be mindful of first responders and emergency vehicles that are required to pass through areas where celebrations are occurring citywide.

The City is taking the appropriate measures to ensure the safety of all residents around all celebratory activities throughout the city. Video message from a First Responder.

OEMC is activating the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to monitor events around Mexican Independence Day and all events and festival taking place citywide. The EOC will coordinate resources and responses to emergency situations throughout the city.

To ensure the safe movements of all vehicles and persons, the Chicago Police Department will be visible and present to ensure safe celebrations. CPD will enforce adherence to traffic regulations, including those in instances of illegal obstruction, stopping, parking, and/or interference of traffic.

Mexican Independence Day Activities

Expect increased traffic in the downtown area and where events are taking place citywide due to celebratory activities through September 16. If they become necessary, expect street closures in the Central Business District along with diversions to control traffic flow. Plan accordingly and allow extra time if traveling in the area.

Access Points

Residents who live or work in the impacted area, employees and all critical care workers will be allowed entry at one of the access points below. If you are attending an event or have reservations within the impacted area, please plan to provide proof of your reservation (i.e. ticket, electronic confirmation, or other documentation).

·         Halsted/Division

·         Halsted/Chicago

·         Halsted/Washington

·         Halsted/Madison

·         Halsted/Jackson

·         Division/LaSalle

·         Roosevelt/Canal

·         Desplaines/Canal

·         18^th/State

·         18^th/Michigan

·         18^th/Indiana

If you are planning to head to El Grito in Grant Park, the parade, special event or local restaurants and establishments, utilize transportation options like the CTA, Metra, Uber, Lyft.

El Grito Festival - Grant Park

Saturday, September 14 and Sunday, September 15, 2 p.m. – 10 p.m.

The event in Grant Park’s Butler Field will feature music, food and a celebration of Mexico’s independence. Jackson will be closed from Columbus to DuSable Lake Shore Drive. Public transportation is strongly encouraged. Parking is available through the event parking partner, Millennium Garages. Their Millennium Park Garage and Millennium Lakeside Garage are just across the street from the festival at 5 S Columbus Drive. Book your parking online HERE to receive the custom El Grito parking discount. For complete details, visit Grito Fest | Festival in Chicago, IL (elgritochicago.com).

2024 El Grito Family Run/Walk 5K – Little Village

Sunday, September 15, 10 a.m. – Noon

The annual El Grito 5K starts at the corner of 26^th St. and Kostner and proceeds to Kedzie Ave where participants turn and head back down 26^th St. to Manual Perez, Jr. Plaza. For details, visit ElGrito.enmotive.com/events.

26^th Street Mexican Independence Day Parade – Little Village

Sunday, September 15 Noon – 3 p.m.

The parade will continue its tradition by kicking-off from the historic Little Village Arch located on 26th street and Albany Avenue and proceed down 26th street to Kostner Avenue. For complete details, visit LittleVillageChamber.org/26th-street-mexican-independence-day-parade/

Annual Mexican Patriotic Parade – Commercial Avenue

Sunday, September 15, Step Off: 1 p.m. (Assembly begins at 10 a.m.)

The parade route will head south along Commercial Avenue from 87^th St. to 100^th St. and disband at 101^st St to 103^rd St.

Report Suspicious Activity:  If You See Something, Say Something™ OEMC reminds the public to be aware of their surroundings and to report suspicious activity – especially in large gatherings. If you notice something suspicious, notify onsite security or call 9-1-1. If You See Something, Say Something™ is a national anti-terrorism public awareness campaign that emphasizes the importance of reporting suspicious activity to law enforcement authorities. “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 safety and preparedness at your fingertips, residents and festival goers are encouraged to download the Chicago OEMC App. The public safety tool provides safety information, preparedness tips, emergency alerts, weather information and more in the palm of your hand. Users will also have access to current forecasts, radar, and other weather-related information as well. The app is available through the Apple App and Google Play stores or visit the website, Chicago.gov/OEMC. 

Pole Markers/Location Identifiers: For public safety on the lakefront, event and concert attendees are reminded to be aware of the numbers attached to the poles throughout the Grant Park area and lakefront to help reference their location within the park if you call 9-1-1 in an emergency. 9-1-1 call takers and dispatchers will be able to provide the location to first responders. They can also be used between friends and family members as a meeting point if you become separated. For complete details, click Chicago.gov/OEMC/Pole Marking/Location Identifiers.

Public Transportation: As for any large–scale event, public transportation is encouraged, and both CTA and Metra will provide service. For more information, visit CTA at TransitChicago.com and Metra.com.

Weather and Public Safety:  OEMC will monitor events through a collaboration with public safety partners. OEMC advises Chicagoans to be aware of weather conditions and to follow instructions and heed all warnings from public safety officials. Residents are encouraged to check the weather before heading out. For the most up-to-date information, please tune into local media or download a weather app. 

OEMC issues alerts and notifications needed to keep residents and attendees up to date on weather conditions and emergencies.  

• Sign up for NotifyChicago alerts at NotifyChicago.org 
• CHILAKE: For lakefront notices, TEXT “CHILAKE” to 7-8-0-1-5 
• CHIBIZ: For alerts affecting businesses, TEXT “CHIBIZ” to 6-7-2-8-3 

For additional information on emergency preparedness information, visit the OEMC website at Chicago.gov/OEMC. Follow the Office of Emergency Management and Communications on Facebook (@coemc), Twitter (@ChicagoOEMC) and Instagram (chicago_oemc_911).