Downtown Mexican Independence Day celebrations return, as city makes effort to curb car caravans

Chicago Sun Times

Organizers say the two-day El Grito Fest, which runs Saturday and Sunday, should provide a “safe and vibrant” alternative to ad hoc celebrations that previously ended in gridlock and arrests.

Por  Araceli Gomez-Aldana   Sept 12, 2024, 3:27pm CDT

Organizers say the two-day El Grito Fest, which runs Saturday and Sunday, should provide a “safe and vibrant” alternative to ad hoc celebrations that previously ended in gridlock and arrests.

In Chicago, when you see cars sporting Mexican flags, you know Mexican Independence Day is right around the corner.

The Mexican flags show heritage and pride in preparation of Mexican Independence Day, which is Sept. 16.

For decades, Mexican Independence Day events have been organized by community groups and taken place in majority Latino neighborhoods. But this year, for the first time in over a decade, Chicagoans can celebrate with a sanctioned Mexican Independence Day festival downtown in Grant Park’s Butler Field.