West Chicago to celebrate Mexican independence

Music, dance, culture and crafts will line downtown West Chicago’s Main Street as the city celebrates Mexican Independence Day.

The celebration will last throughout the afternoon and evening Sunday, Sept. 18, beginning with a parade at noon and concluding with a performance by Fuzion Musical from 8 to 9 p.m.

The day has plenty of highlights in between, including a Mexican bell-ringing ceremony, a car show, a youth soccer camp, children’s activities and a cake celebration.

So what should visitors seek out as they explore Mexican heritage in West Chicago?

“We definitely don’t want them to miss El Grito (traditional bell-ringing ceremony), which this year we are honored that Consul General Eduardo Arnal from the Mexican Consulate is giving,” said Valeria Lopez, West Chicago’s executive office manager and deputy city clerk.

The traditional El Grito will take place at 1:30 p.m. at a stage at 305 Main St. as Mayor Michael Kwasman welcomes visitors to the celebration. The welcoming ceremony will follow the 15-unit parade featuring dance groups and horses that put on a show.

“Everyone definitely loves the horses in the parade,” Lopez said.

Admission to the festivities is free, but food vendors and crafters will sell their wares including handmade jewelry.

Kids can embrace their artistic and active sides with a craft and game area at American Legion Post 300, 123 Main St., where they can make Mexican flags, maracas and tissue paper flowers, or try their hand at a sombrero ring toss.

And don’t forget the free cake.

“A West Chicago business, La Chicanita Bakery, as a form of giving back to the community, will be donating an enormous celebration cake that will be served to those attending,” Lopez said. “Mayor Kwasman is set to cut the first slice.”

As a city with a long history of Mexican immigration, West Chicago has held a festival for Mexico’s Independence Day since the 1960s, said Sara Phalen, executive director of People Made Visible, a West Chicago nonprofit that is presenting a Mexican history exhibit at the event. The event was planned for decades by residents until they handed responsibility over to the city in 2008, Lopez said.

People Made Visible’s Mexican history exhibit will be on display from 1 to 6 p.m. at the Fox Community Center, 306 Main St. It’s based on an oral history project and includes the background of several Mexican immigrant families who found their way to West Chicago, including the family of Alderman Ruben Pineda.

“I think, especially for somebody coming out and learning about the Mexican culture or even Mexican people in West Chicago themselves, it’s great to see that exhibit,” Phalen said. “It gives a lot more context to the event and the Mexican immigrants that have made West Chicago what it is today.”

If you go

If you go

What: West Chicago Mexican Independence Day Parade and Celebration

When: Parade at noon Sunday, Sept. 18; celebration from 1:30 to 9 p.m.

Where: Downtown West Chicago; parade steps off at Augusta Avenue and Joliet Street; main stage is at 305 Main St.

Cost: Free admission; food for sale

Info: (630) 293-2200 or <a href="http://westchicago.org/">westchicago.org </a>