If you or your organization would like to participate in the parade, please complete an application and carefully read the rules and regulations included in the application form, which must be submitted by August 31. This year's participation has been closed. Last minute entries may be considered by the internal committee prior to approval.

Nonregistered participants are not allow to be part of the parade, but we encourage you to join the cheerful crowd attending the event.

The application process for the 2026 Mexican Independence Day Parade will open in May 2026. We encourage you to sign up for our email list to receive updates. Request a form at info@littlevillagechamber.org

Sunday, September 14th, 2025. The 54th LVCC 26th Mexican Independence Day Parade begins at 12 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. (See Map here).

The parade features up to 100 registered entries. Expect a vibrant display as parade participants showcase an array of traditions stemming from diverse regions and cultures. This year theme is "Pride & Power, Our Strength, Our Legcay".

From the elegance of Quinceañeras to the rhythms of Mexican folkloric dancing and the skillful artistry of Charrería, the parade will be a myriad of experiences, highlighting the power and diversity of the Mexican culture legacy in Chicago and throughout the United States.

Mexican Parade Day is traditionally hot and sunny, so prepare accordingly. 

• Bring sunscreen and reapply if necessary. 
• Bring plenty of water.
• Clear plastic-sealed bottled water and empty reusable water bottles are allowed. 
• NO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES ALLOWED
• Police will be present throughout the parade. Penalties for having open containers of alcohol can result in a fine of more than $1,000 and/or confiscation of the alcohol. 

Many people wear traditional attire, dressed in the colors of the Mexican flag or clothing that celebrates their Mexican origins.

The parade route is the section of 26th Street between Albany St (the Little Village Arch) to Kostner Avenue.

If you want the best viewing spot, we recommend arriving early.

Some areas along 26th Street will be less crowded. The section on 26th Street between Pulaski Av. and Kostner Avenue is a good place to enjoy the parade near the end of the route.

You won't be able to see much from the parade assembly area on California Ave. and California Blvd. since that area is closed for set-up.

The section between 26th St. and 31st St., on Kostner Avenue is the parade disband drop-off area for participants and therefore another less-than-ideal area to view the parade.

Saturday, September 13, 2025

• 26 & Sawyer going south to the Alley Saturday 9/13/25 6pm to 9/14/25 9pm
• 26 & Christiana going north to the Alley Saturday 9/13/25 6pm to 9/14/25 9pm
• 26th St. corridor Saturday 9/13/25 9pm to Sunday 9/14/25 9pm
• No parking will be allowed on the street locations mentioned above starting on Saturday, September 13th, 6pm.

Towing will begin at 9pm on Saturday, 9/13.

• Please plan ahead as vehicles WILL NOT BE relocated.
• Per City of Chicago ordinance vehicles will be towed.
• If your vehicle is towed, you can call 311 to locate your vehicle.
• You will be required to pay a fee to impound vehicle.
• Please take all cautionary measures to avoid having your vehicle towed.

From 8 am to 10 am, streets will be closed at 10 am and crossover will not be allowed due to the Annual New Life Centers - El Grito 5K race that takes place at 10 am.

• 26th & California Ave
• 26th & Kedzie Ave
• 26th & Central Park Ave
• 26th & Pulaski Ave
• 26th & Kostner Ave

The parade will take place rain or shine.

First, we recommend considering public transportation. If you choose to drive, street parking is limited, and the surrounding areas will be very crowded.

Additionally, consider carpooling and be prepared to park far away and walk to the parade route.

The following CTA train stops are on or near the parade route:

Pink Line - Always walk south toward 26th Street:

- Kedzie Stop (the busiest stop - 0.8 miles/16 minute walk, north of the parade start point, you can walk south if you wish)

- Central Park & ​​Ogden Stop (this is the closest station to the midpoint - 0.7 miles/15 minute walk. You won't be able to see the Little Village arch but it will be close to the parade midpoint.

- Pulaski Stop (The stop with the most room to walk to 26th Street - 0.8 miles/16 minute walk). 

CTA buses may change routes on parade day. Visit transitchicago.com and use its planning tools routes and updates.

Consider using rideshare apps like Uber or Lyft. Traffic on the street will be congested the closer you get to the parade. Choose a drop-off location several blocks from the parade route and walk to the parade route.

Access roads to the parade route will be blocked. Parking is limited and road closures will make access to the route very difficult. 

There will be portable restrooms located along the parade route. (map)

- S. Christiana Ave. between South 25th Street and South 26th Street.

- S. Millard Ave. between South 25th Street and South 26th Street.

- S. Hamlin Ave. between South 26th Street and South 27th Street.

- S. Keeler Ave. between South 25th Street and South 26th Street.

- S. Tripp Ave. between South 26th Street and South 27th Street.

- S. Troy Ave. between South 25th Street and South 26th Street. (See map)

Medical Station

- 26th Street, between Kedzie and Sawyer Avenue/North side of the 26^th Street corridor

Ambulance Station

- 26^th Street & Central Park Ave.
- 26^th Street & Kostner Ave

• Sign up for NotifyChicago alerts at NotifyChicago.org. 
• OEMC also issues TEXT alerts for lakefront notices and issues affecting businesses or events: 
• 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.
• Follow the LVCC social media channels
• LVCC Website

• Some of the fleets will hand out promotional items or items allegorical to the celebration.
• Participants must not throw items into the crowd. Spectators must not throw items at participants.
• There will be traffic barriers along the route that will separate the spectator area from the street.
• Spectators will not be able to enter the street (parade route) to pick up items.
• Participants will walk to the spectator area to hand out such items.

This celebration attracts a large number of social leaders and elected officials who join the annual parade with their presence.

The Hispanic population of Chicago and its surrounding areas currently represents 29 percent of the city's population. Latino leaders have significantly increased their presence in the public and private spheres, which has led to an important presence in the city's politics.

Since 1989 the Little Village Chamber of Commerce has represented the interests of local businesses and the larger bilingual business community of Chicago.  Its mission is to support, promote and enhance the growth and success of our local businesses and to leverage the community’s assets, contributions and unique Mexican identity cultural identity to generate new business opportunities.  Our residents and business owners are recognized for their entrepreneurial spirit, strong work ethic and commitment to family and community.

Visitors from all over the Midwest stop by our vibrant 26th Street retail district for the type of products they would find in Mexico. It is home to over 100 restaurants that serve authentic Mexican food in a festive setting. Our thriving business district has over 1,800 businesses that offer a vast array of retail goods and services. Little Village is also known as the Quinceañera Capital of the Midwest. We invite you to shop and dine in Little Village! Tu Mexico, Tu Chicago!