Celebrate at West Chicago Mexican Independence Parade

Editor's note: This date of the festival has been corrected in this article. It will take place Sunday, Sept. 13.

Editor's note: This date of the festival has been corrected in this article. It will take place on Sunday, Sept. 13.

One of the biggest cultural celebrations in West Chicago - the Mexican Independence Day Festival - is set to return this year under new leadership.

The festival will run noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13, in downtown West Chicago.

For many years, the city has hosted the celebration, but this year the Mexican Cultural Center of DuPage agreed to organize the event.

"We really wanted it to stay in the heart of the community," said Sara Phalen, publicity director for the center.

More than 50 percent of West Chicago's population is Latino, but because the majority of those Latinos are Mexican, the celebration has always taken place around Sept. 16, which marks the beginning of Mexico's War of Independence against Spain.

"We have had Mexicans in West Chicago since the 1920s," Phalen said. "We've really tried to highlight the contributions that Mexican-Americans have made in our community."

That includes, she said, the way the city looks, including a downtown supported largely by Mexican-American business owners and key leaders, including a well-respected Mexican-American police chief in the 1950s.

The day will begin with a parade that steps off from Leman Middle School, 238 E. Hazel St. It will travel up Joliet Street, cross over the Wilson Avenue bridge and end in the downtown area.

At 1 p.m., once the parade has concluded, a ceremony will re-enact "El Grito," or "the cry," made by revolutionary Miguel Hidalgo, calling all Mexicans to fight for liberty. Children will also take part in a battle re-enactment at 1:30 p.m.

New events this year include a 3-on-3 soccer tournament and a 12-foot piñata at the end of the event.

"Our big goal for this year was to make it more family friendly," Phalen said. "We thought this was a great way to ensure that there's something for the kids to do or watch."

Exhibits at the West Chicago City Museum, 132 Main St., and West Chicago Public Library, 118 W. Washington Place, related to Latinos will be open during the event. The festival also will include horses, food, art and traditional dances and music.

The Miss Fiestas Patrias will be presented at 4 p.m. and a crowning ceremony will take place at 4:30 p.m.

Phalen expects the event to draw people from many neighboring communities, including Aurora, Elgin and Warrenville.

"It's a great festival to come and see the downtown," she said, adding that there will be lots of decorations lining the streets this year. "It will be a really festive event."

If you go

What: Mexican Independence Day Festival

When: Noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13; parade begins at noon

Where: Downtown West Chicago

Cost: Free

Info: westchicago.org

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