DOWNTOWN — Downtown streets buzzed with activity as thousands gathered to celebrate Mexican Independence Day on Saturday, despite the city implementing restrictions on car caravans in the Central Business District.
The festivities drew large crowds both on foot and in vehicles, but participants faced significant limitations compared to previous years. The city’s effort to manage the celebrations included shutting down much of Downtown to control traffic flow, as officials have condemned the car caravan practice for causing disruptions.
Chicago police declared a “zero tolerance” policy for car parades during this weekend’s festivities. Roads were closed to vehicles as authorities directed traffic along Michigan Avenue until around 9:45 p.m., when broader street closures took effect. Some individuals in attendance voiced their frustrations, arguing that the celebration was an essential expression of their culture.
“This is our day! The city treats us differently from everyone else. Why can’t we have one night to express ourselves?” remarked one reveler named Gio.
According to the Office of Emergency Management and Communications, all Central Business District streets were closed Saturday night due to heightened vehicle congestion linked to the holiday. Access was restricted from Halsted Street to DuSable Lake Shore Drive and from 18th Street to Division Street, impacting Kennedy Expressway off-ramps.
While multiple access points were established for residents and local workers, streets remained closed until after 2 a.m. on Sunday. Nonetheless, many Chicagoans made their way downtown to celebrate their cultural pride.
“Americans have the Fourth of July,” said celebrant Kevin. “This is like that for us. We just want a day to celebrate our culture and have fun.”
Some attendees observed that the crowd’s energy was more subdued this year compared to past celebrations. “We love the takeovers every year,” shared Daniel, who had come downtown with friends. “We were hoping they were going to be crazy this year, but I guess we’ll see.”
The festivities coincided with Grito Fest, a two-day festival in Grant Park honoring Mexican Independence Day, expected to attract 12,000 visitors daily. This marked the first city-sponsored celebration of the holiday downtown in over ten years.
Concerns about potential disruptions from the festival persisted among local residents, recalling the significant street issues caused by last year’s gatherings. Authorities had cautioned that they would consider closing all of Downtown to vehicle traffic if necessary.
Mexican Independence Day, celebrated annually on September 16, commemorates Mexico’s independence from Spain following an 11-year war that concluded in 1821.