To celebrate Mexican Independence Day on September 15, thousands of people gathered in Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood for the 53rd annual Mexican Independence Day Parade.
The event begins under the historic La Villita Arch and is considered one of the largest parades in the Midwest in the United States, with an estimated attendance of over 400,000 prior to the parade.
“Mexico is so big and throughout Mexico there are so many different rituals and cultures,” said spectator and Ohio resident Juana Chavez. “And coming to this really encompasses a little bit of everything.”
Fatima Sanchez, who traveled to the parade from Dallas, agreed. Sanchez said she is proud to be surrounded by so many people celebrating their culture.
“Just being here, surrounded by everyone, it’s like belonging to something bigger than just my family,” she said.
Floats, dancers and musicians made their way down 26th Street, showcasing a fabric of Chicago tradition.
Mayor Brandon Johnson was also in attendance and spoke about the event’s cultural significance.
“It’s just a beautiful testament to how this community brings the people of Chicago together,” Johnson said.