Chicago braces for major street closures during Mexican Independence Day celebrations
- Chicago is preparing for possible street closures to accommodate the influx of participants celebrating Mexican Independence Day.
- This weekend's events include various parades and car caravans showcasing Mexican American pride throughout the city.
- Authorities are implementing traffic controls and access points to manage expected crowds and ensure the safety of all attendees.
In the United States, Chicago is seeing a surge in preparations for the Mexican Independence Day celebrations happening over the weekend. Streets are expected to be closed from downtown through Tuesday, in anticipation of large crowds and car caravans. The city learned from previous years about the traffic bottlenecks caused by these celebrations, which often gridlocked the Central Business District. With car caravans being a popular way for the Mexican American community to express their pride, city officials are planning on restricting vehicle access to downtown if necessary. There are designated access points where residents and those with reservations must show documentation to gain entry, ensuring a level of safety amid the festivities. Concurrently, the city is experiencing an uptick in immigration enforcement, which has not deterred the community as attendees are still expected to gather in support of their cultural heritage. Over the weekend, events will take place throughout various neighborhoods, including El Grito 5K Family/Run Walk and the 26th Street Mexican Independence Day Parade, all contributing to the vibrant celebration of Mexican independence.