Little Village parade celebrates Mexican Independence Day with pride, healing and hope
CHICAGO (WLS) -- The sights and sounds of Mexican Independence Day returned to Little Village on Sunday as thousands of people lined 26th Street to celebrate their heritage, culture and community.
The 26th Street Mexican Independence Day Parade stepped off at noon Sunday at the historic Little Village Arch, located on 26th Street and Albany Avenue.
The celebration came under markedly different circumstances than last year, when Operation Midway Blitz was getting underway and many residents felt the neighborhood was under pressure. This year, the crowds and enthusiasm were back, even as some lingering fears remained.
For many attendees, the event was an opportunity to express pride in their roots and share that identity with future generations.
"It's my culture. My nationality and I'm so proud of it," said paradegoer Jesus Olivares.
Gloria Medina said the celebration is an important way to honor family history and heritage.
"It's very important to identify who we are. Our parents. Came here as an immigrant. Worked in the railroads. It's an honor to be Mexican and be proud of it," Medina said.
Three generations of the Medina family attended the event together.
"Our culture is full of love. I felt that with my grandparents. I feel that with my parents. My children. I'm passing it on to them," said Frida Medina.
This year's theme centered on riding together. While attendees described the event as more crowded and joyful than last year, some longtime participants said it still did not feel completely back to normal.
"Usually it's all packed all the way to the walls on both sides. Today it's...more that last year though," said Roxanne Rodríguez.
Yesenia Rodríguez said the celebration was also an opportunity to represent family and community members who could not attend.
"I'm proud to be from where I'm from because of my parents. Even though I was born here I'm here to represent everybody who can't be here," she said.
Organizers acknowledged the impact that Operation Midway Blitz had on residents and said concerns persist as immigration enforcement operations appear to be increasing around Chicago.
"It's really great to see a little bit of normalcy back to our community and our celebration and to see people come out and have that experience despite everything we have gone through," said Jen Aguilar of the Little Village Chamber of Commerce.
For many, the event was about both celebrating and healing. The festivities drew first-time attendees as well as people who had not returned to Little Village in years.
"I'm excited. I had to bring my son out. To enjoy it.... gotta show that we're still strong that no matter what happens we're going to be here," said paradegoer Javier Axocoyopa.
