By Brian Doligale ‘24

Chicago, a city known for its rich cultural diversity, was filled with colors of green, white, and red to celebrate Mexican Independence Day over the weekend. The evening of the celebration is when it all started, and the city started to come alive. Specifically in Grant Park, the festivities started as the Mexican community gathered to start the historic occasion. Senior Dan Rivera said, “I celebrate Mexican Independence Day because it honors my family and Mexico.¨

The famous Buckingham Fountain became the centerpiece of the celebrations. It was illuminated with the colors of the Mexican Flag. Families and friends celebrated the 211th anniversary of Mexico’s independence from Spanish rule.

Senior Marcos Martinez was asked about his favorite traditions.  He said “always (catch) a Mexican parade, great food with dancing parties while flying the Mexican flags.”

The parade in Little Village is one of the largest Midwest parades celebrating Mexican Independence Day. It took place over the weekend for the 26th year. The theme was “Tu Mexico, Tu Chicago.” More than 400,000 people participated in the celebration of Mexico’s independence.

Martinez said, “I enjoy everyone coming together and celebrating our culture together.”