Celebrate Mexican heritage with giant piñata at West Chicago festival

Posted September 08, 2025 4:43 pm

Submitted by City of West Chicago

Join the City of West Chicago for a family-friendly celebration of Mexican culture and heritage at the Mexican Independence Day Festival on Sunday, Sept. 14, from noon to 6 p.m. in downtown West Chicago.

This free community event will feature a lineup of live music, traditional dance performances, authentic Mexican cuisine, family activities, and the highlight of the day — a 13-foot piñata!

The festival kicks off with an opening ceremony and the traditional Grito de Independencia (Cry of Independence), setting the tone for a vibrant day of cultural pride and unity.

Attendees can enjoy performances by Mariachi musicians, Ballet Folklorico dancers, and a special concert by El Retorno Musical, followed by the giant piñata and distribution of candy. The celebration will conclude with a high-energy set by Spanish rock band Los Corb.

Join in this celebration of culture, community, and heritage!

This event is sponsored by the City of West Chicago and hosted by Despertar Latino, in partnership with the Mexican Cultural Center of DuPage, WeGo Together For Kids, and Casa Michoacan DuPage, with the support of West Chicago School Districts 33 and 94, the West Chicago City Museum, and People Made Visible.

Festival parking

Parking lot for Mexican Independence Day are at:

• 103 W. Washington St. (Gallery 200)

• 124 Fremont Street parking lot

• Turner Court lot

• 101 Main St. (Republic Bank parking lot; handicap spots available)

• 306 Main St. (Western DuPage Chamber of Commerce parking lot)

• 508 Main St. (Metra parking lot)

Road closures

Galena Street (between Main Street and High Street) from Sunday, Sept. 14, at 5 a.m. through Sunday, Sept. 14, at 10 p.m.

Main Street (between Center Street and West Washington Street) from Sunday, Sept. 14, at 5 a.m. through Sunday, Sept. 14, at 10 p.m.

Please note: Vehicles left on these streets after the posted closing times will be towed at the owner’s expense.

Additionally, Turner Court from Main Street to Washington Street will not close but will be reversing lane direction starting at 5 a.m. through 10 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 14.