Gov. Pat Quinn served as the grand marshal for the parade, which ran down 26th Street from Kedzie to Kostner.
There was music, and floats, including ABC7's own float, all part of making the day a proud one for Chicago's Mexican community."I think there's a lot of tradition. My parents showed us...we should show our kids, and they should know. Not just come in and scream, 'Viva Mexico.' Yhey should know more about the history of Mexico, too," said parade watcher Maria Flores.
" I came out here with my kids. We come out here every year. So, we're just happy to be here, and I love it," said Paula Flores, also a parade watcher.
The 40th annual Mexican Independence Day Parade drew a colorful crowd downtown Saturday. Columbus Drive was also jammed between Balbo and Randolph for the festivities. Plenty of floats, marching bands and political leaders were on hand.
The Mexican Civic Society of Illinois has hosted the event for decades. This year marks the 199th anniversary of Mexican independence from Spain.
Mexican Independence Day is September 16.
