Chicago officials are warning of major impacts to travel and traffic during Mexican Independence Day and El Grito celebrations downtown this weekend.
According to a public safety advisory from the Office of Emergency Management and Communications, celebrations are expected to begin Friday evening and continue through the weekend, with Mexican Independence Day falling on Monday, September 16.
“Expect increased traffic in the downtown core and at event venues throughout the city due to celebration activities through September 16,” the advisory states. “If necessary, expect street closures in the central business district and detours to control traffic. Plan accordingly and allow extra time if traveling in the area.”
City officials also asked residents participating in the events, which have included car caravans in the past, to “respect their neighbors and communities, as well as workers at critical facilities such as hospitals.”
“They should also be aware of first responders and emergency vehicles that need to pass through areas where celebrations are taking place throughout the city,” the notice said.
Activities and Closures for Mexican Independence Day
The annual Mexican Independence Day parade, considered one of the largest in the Midwest, will begin at noon on Sunday, Sept. 15 in Little Village. About 400,000 people are expected to attend or watch.
“Expect a vibrant spectacle as parade participants showcase a range of traditions from diverse regions and cultures,” the event description reads. “From the elegance of quinceañeras to the captivating rhythms of Mexican folk dancing and the skillful art of the charrería, the parade will be a kaleidoscope of experiences, showcasing the essence and diversity of Mexican heritage in Chicago and across the United States.”
Authorities expect increased traffic in the city centre and in areas where events are taking place. Street closures will be put in place “if necessary”.
Ramp closures on area highways are also possible during the celebrations, officials said.
In the event that access to the central business district is restricted due to the celebrations, a series of checkpoints will be set up to allow residents, employees and critical care workers to access, the city said. These will be set up at the following locations:
- Halsted/Division
- Halsted/Chicago
- Halsted/Washington
- Halsted/Madison
- Halsted/Jackson
- Division/LaSalle
- Roosevelt/Canal
- From the Plains/Canal
- 18th/State
- 18th/Michigan
- 18th/Indiana
Another parade, the annual Mexican Patriotic Parade, which will take place Sunday, is also expected to impact traffic, authorities said.
Grito Activities and Closures
In addition to Mexican Independence Day celebrations, the El Grito Festival in Grant Park kicks off Saturday and runs through Sunday, taking over Chicago’s Grant Park with music, food and celebrations of Mexican independence.
The festival will feature national and local musicians including mariachis, authentic Mexican family dining experiences and more. It will take place from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, September 14 and Sunday, September 15 in Grant Park.
Jackson will be closed between Columbus and DuSable Lake Shore Drive, and residents are strongly encouraged to use public transportation during both days of the event.
NBC Chicago and Telemundo Chicago will broadcast the parade from noon to 1:30 p.m. Sunday on NBCChicago.com, TelemundoChicago.com, the respective apps and the NBC 5 Chicago News streaming channel.
