Overnight celebrations kick off Mexican Independence Day in Chicago

Updated 2 hours ago
CHICAGO (WLS) -- Overnight celebrations in downtown kicked off Mexican Independence Day in Chicago.



Video shows crowds march and dance on Michigan Avenue in the Loop overnight.

Plenty of Mexican flags were on display to celebrate the country's independence.

There was a heavy police presence and some street closures in effect, but Chicago police did not report any problems.



Rogers Park Business Alliance will got a celebration at the Camino Clark corridor from Howard Street to Devon Avenue. The event begins at 2 p.m. and will have performances from Mariachi Mexico Lindo.

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In 1810, Catholic priest Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla called on his parishioners to join him in a rebellion against Spanish rule, marking the beginning of the Mexican War of Independence.

AP News contributed to this report.

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