The City of Chicago has issued an alert ahead of Mexican Independence Day celebrations taking place this weekend. While they understand it is a time for joy and happiness, they want people to be prepared for street closures and possible safety issues.
In addition to the large crowds all around the city, there will also be a lot of traffic. In lieu of this, the city will be working all weekend to manage public safety and traffic. However, officials wanted to caution that “car caravans that create a threat to public safety will not be tolerated.”
Moreover, people need to remember that it is illegal to drag race and drift. Plus it is “dangerous” the Office of Emergency Management and Communications added. “Anyone in violation of the ordinance will be held accountable.”
History of Mexican Independence Day
Mexican Independence Day is celebrated on Saturday, September 16. However, its roots trace back to the late hours of September 15 and into the early morning of Sept. 16, 1810. Additionally, the day itself is known as El Grito de Dolores (the “Cry of Dolores”). A priest in the village Dolores, Miguel Hidalgo, rang the church bells calling for the community to rise and rebel against the Spanish rule.
Furthermore, the momentous event ignited a movement that ultimately led to Mexico’s Declaration of Independence from Spain. Thus making Mexican Independence Day the most significant holiday held in September.
Every year, the President of Mexico participates in celebrating Mexican Independence Day by ringing the same bell.
Hispanic Heritage Month
Additionally, Mexican Independence Day helps kick off Hispanic Heritage Month which is held from September 15 to October 15. Traditionally, the cultures and contributions of both Hispanic and Latino Americans are honored during this time period.
In 1968, President Lyndon Johnson started the observation as Hispanic Heritage Week. Twenty years later, President Ronald Reagan extended it to a 30-day period. National Heritage Month was enacted into law on Aug. 17, 1988.
Celebrating Mexican Independence Day
Normally, the streets of Chicago are filled with thousands of revelers celebrating Mexican Independence Day. Over the past few years the downtown gridlock has left police unable to direct traffic, as party goers celebrate with dancing, food, and music.
Last year, a caravan of merrymakers brought downtown Chicago to a standstill as they line danced or shot fireworks off in the street. Subsequently, it left many residents unable to get home, to work, or even emergency help. Additionally, the two night festivity was marred by gunfire, according to authorities.
“We actually had a resident who’d gone into labor during the festivities, and she had a substantial amount of difficulty getting to Northwestern,” James Wales of South Loop Neighbors told ABC 7.
Plan to Keep Mexican Independence Day Revelers and Residents Safe
A few weeks ago, the Chicago Police Department (CPD) met with South Loop Neighbors to discuss plans to limit traffic. Moreover, the Department “distributed the twelve different access points” where people can get help in case things got out of hand.
Furthermore, CPD and the Illinois State Police stated they are prepared to close downtown expressway entrances if Mexican Independence Day celebration get out of hand. They will also restrict access to the area bordered by Division Street, DuSable Lake Shore Drive, 18th Street and Halsted.
Moreover, they will have multiple access points on those streets for workers, residents, and others to enter the central business district. Additionally, officials have ensured that this plan does not include raising bridges. Brendan Reilley (42nd Ward), stated if the closures are enacted, the following access points to downtown will remain open:
- North Halsted and West Division.
- North Halsted and West Chicago.
- Also North Halsted and West Washington.
- North Halsted and West Madison.
- South Halsted and South Jackson.
- West Roosevelt and South Union.
- 18th Street and South State.
- 18th Street and South Michigan.
- Along with 18th Street and South Indiana.
- Lastly, West Division and North LaSalle.
Mexican Independence Day Parade
Little Village hosts one of the largest Mexican Independence Day celebrations. For the first time ever, the festivities will be held on the actual holiday. In preparation, the neighborhood has been decked out in festive decorations of green, red and white. These colors represent:
- Green for hope and victory.
- White for unity and purity.
- Red stands for the blood of patriots and other heroes.
Proud of their heritage, residents fly the Mexican flag from their homes, businesses, and vehicles. Additionally, vendors in Little Village are painting the streets green, red, and white in celebration of Mexican Independence Day.
Pushing off from the Little Village Arch, the vibrantly colored parade featuring floats, folkloric dancing, and mariachi bands will start at noon. Additionally, the Mexican Independence Day parade will be broadcasted by Telemundo Chicago. The theme of the parade is “Tu Mexico, Tu Chicago,” with each Mexican state represented. Penelope Menchaca, host of “Hoy Día,” will be the Parade Marshal for the 2023 event.
Celebrate Responsibly
The Mexican Consulate have joined those partnering with the city’s plea for people to celebrate responsibly. “The call to everyone is to participate in the festivities. It is OK to display the Mexican flag, but just be aware that you can’t do it in a way that may harm other persons,” stated Reyna Torres, Consul General of Mexico in Chicago. “All the crazy things that happened is not the Mexican community. It’s just a few persons and we don’t want the entire Mexican community to be labeled.”
The Consulate is going to be participating in more than 15 celebrations all over the Chicagoland area. We will be everywhere performing the Grito.
In addition to Mexican Independence Day celebrations, there will also be other festivities and concerts taking place downtown.
By Sheena Robertson
Sources:
ABC 7: Mexican Independence Day Chicago: Street closures possible if celebrations get out of hand downtown
National Hispanic Heritage Month: About National Hispanic Heritage Month
ABC 7: Chicago prepares for Mexican Independence Day celebrations with eye on safety, avoiding gridlock
CBS News: When is Mexican Independence Day? Chicago making plans
NBC Chicago: Chicago issues warning ahead of Mexican Independence Day celebrations
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First Inset Image Courtesy of Fibonacci Blue‘s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
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Third Inset Image Courtesy of Eugene Kim‘s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
