Rolling street closures possible amid Mexican Independence Day celebrations this weekend | See map
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The Little Village Chamber of Commerce is expecting 400,000 people to attend the Mexican Independence Day parade on Sunday.
Some official advice is to get there early and take public transportation.
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The Flag of Mexico has been flying throughout the city's Little Village neighborhood on the Southwest Side ahead of another weekend jam-packed with Mexican Independence Day festivities.
"It makes me really proud of our city for embracing our community and also proud of those traditions and culture we still preserve from our parents and ancestors," said Little Village Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jennifer Aguilar.
Aguilar said the neighborhood is busy getting ready for the annual 26th Street Mexican Independence Day Parade at noon on Sunday.
The parade begins at 26th and Albany and ends at 26th and Kostner.
Aguilar said the parade's 53rd running is expected to draw thousands of revelers.
"So, the floats will represent a variety of Mexican traditions, like Day of the Dead and soccer, so there's going to be a beautiful display," Aguilar said.
Mexican Independence Day festivities have historically drawn throngs of people and cars downtown.
The celebrations sometimes spill into the street, especially in the Loop, and gridlock traffic.
City emergency officials said they have a plan in place and ready to go if needed in case of unexpected car caravans, including rolling street closures, access points for residents and those working in the Loop, and using police helicopters to monitor traffic flows.
"We have a brand new $11-million helicopter we will use to provide aerial surveillance of the entire downtown area, and when we see congestion starting to form, we can move those resources in and start strategically closing exits and closing of streets," said 2nd Ward Ald. Brian Hopkins
The city is preparing for the possibility of rolling street closures in the areas pictured below. People who live or work downtown are urged to have identification on them so they can be allowed through.
Officials also say entrances to expressways could be closed.
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"Being able to celebrate in downtown Chicago is just a really important for the community. We are just excited to be able to do it again after so many years," said El Grito Festival organizer Korina Sanchez.
Grant Park is also being transformed for the first-ever El Grito Festival, which is expected to draw upwards of 12,000 people for the family-friendly festival.
"Every fifth Chicagoan considers themselves Mexican or Mexican descent, so why not have a celebration where the tire meets the road, which is downtown Chicago?" said Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce President Jaime Dipaulo.
Some people visiting the city say this type of atmosphere is why they come to Chicago.
"Loving it! that's why we come to the big city; to see big things, and this is big, the celebration of our lovely Latin friends," said visitor Larry Christie.
The festival in Grant Park will go from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
On Saturday, it will cost $10 to get in, and kids under 10 years old get free admission. On Sunday, everyone will be allowed in for free after 7 p.m.
Organizers hope a structured celebration in the park will deter any unplanned street celebrations.
"It's not representative of our culture. Nowhere in the world do we do that in car caravans. I think it's bad for the people celebrating. It cannot be fun," said El Grito Co-Chair German Gonzalez.
Parade organizers in Little Village said people come to the massive parade from all over, including as far as Texas and California.
