Here's everything you need to know about the 2026 Mexican Independence Day celebrations in Chicago this weekend.
The El Grito Chicago festival returned to Grant Park this weekend, bringing together attendees to celebrate Mexican culture and heritage after organizers canceled last year's event.
The city will celebrate Mexican Independence Day beginning Friday, and continuing through the official holiday next Wednesday.
City leaders said public transportation is strongly recommended, and residents should plan ahead.
Jackson Boulevard will be closed from Columbus Drive to DuSable Lake Shore Drive for El Grito Chicago Festival.
The Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications said that closures could be implemented if police need to begin enforcement.
If closures are implemented, access will be limited to residents, employees, deliveries and emergency services. Those attending downtown events or reservations will be asked to provide proof of reservation.
OEMC said that if police need to implement downtown closures to limit traffic, the following locations will serve as access points:
Halsted/Washington
Halsted/Madison
Halsted/Jackson
Division/LaSalle
Roosevelt/Canal
Taylor/Desplaines
18th/State
18th/Indiana
El Grito Chicago festival is on Saturday and Sunday from 2 to 10 p.m. at Grant Park's Butler Field.
The festival is all about embracing Mexican culture and heritage, and after last year's cancellation, organizers say it's now a reminder of their community's strength.
"After last year, it's been a really difficult time and people are ready to come and celebrate and show that no matter what our traditions are going to endure," El Grito Chicago organizer Korina Sanchez said.
Festivalgoers said the event offered a sense of community through music, food, and cultural traditions.
"We hear this type of music. We feel it in our bones. We feel it with the people around us," festival attendee Luis Medina said.
The annual El Grito 5K in Little Village will take place at 9 a.m. Sunday. It starts at 26th Street and Kostner Avenue to Kedzie Avenue. It will end at Manual Perez, Jr. Plaza.
Jennifer Aguilar with the Little Village Chamber of Commerce joined ABC7 to talk about the celebration of Mexican heritage, culture, and community pride.
The annual parade in Little Village will be from noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, stepping off at the historic Little Village Arch, located on 26th Street and Albany Avenue.
Organizers ofSunday's parade say they expect hundreds of thousands of participants and attendees.
The parade marks a country's historic fight for freedom that, for many, still rings true to this day.
"We're just celebrating being able to be free, being able to live with one another, being able to have a couple drinks, kick it back with a couple friends," Medina said.
The parade in South Chicago steps off at 1 p.m. Sunday and will head south along Commercial Avenue from 87th Street to 100th Street and disband at 101st Street to 103rd Street.
Other events happening this weekend include the Chicago Football Classic at Soldier Field and Chicago Fire v. New England Revolution at Soldier Field.
Chicago's Mexican community is preparing for a full slate of Independence Day celebrations this weekend, marking both the holiday and the one-year anniversary of "Operation Midway Blitz," the federal immigration crackdown that disrupted festivities last year.
Community leaders say the enforcement action forced many residents into hiding and led to several cancellations. This year, they hope the return of parades and cultural gatherings will restore the joy typically associated with the holiday.
The celebrations began last weekend with the Pilsen Parade and will continue with another parade in Little Village and El Grito in Grant Park. Last year's El Grito was canceled, but organizers expect thousands to attend its return.
Mayor Brandon Johnson said he hopes the holiday can help the city "reclaim some of the joy that was lost last year and deliver a moment of healing."
Johnson joined community leaders near the Arch in Little Village on Tuesday to discuss safety plans.
Interim Police Superintendent Fred Waller said the department is canceling one day off for officers to ensure adequate staffing. He said police will increase their presence downtown, anticipating heavier traffic and car caravans, and added that street closures may be implemented "to safely manage traffic and maintain access for emergency vehicles."
Organizers of El Grito say the event's return is a sign of resilience.
"Bringing this festival back is a statement in itself that our community's traditions endure, and that we will always find a way to come together safely and proudly," said Korina Sanchez, an organizer.
Along 26th Street, business leaders say the past year has been difficult, but they hope the weekend's crowds will help spark a turnaround.
"I encourage everybody to come down and shop local," said Jaime di Paulo, president and CEO of the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. "Take an opportunity to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and support local businesses in your neighborhoods."
While last year was marked by resistance to immigration enforcement, community members say this year's focus is on celebrating Mexican Independence Day with resilience and pride.