A year after Operation Midway Blitz, Chicago celebrates ‘strength’ at the Mexican Independence Day Parade
Usa today news
A year after immigration threats tempered many of Chicago’s Mexican Independence Day celebrations, this year’s parade aimed to bring back the full 400,000 spectators it expects to garner.
Last year’s parade continued as planned, despite fears of immigration raids during Operation Midway Blitz, President Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement campaign targeting Chicago. But, leaders encouraged would-be attendees to do what they felt would be safest and view the parade from home, if they desired.
This year, the theme of the 55th annual event was “United We Ride: Stronger Than Ever.” Held by the Little Village Chamber of Commerce, organizers said the event is one of the largest parades in the Midwest and serves as a cultural celebration and an economic driver for local businesses.
Participants march down 26th Street during the 55th Annual Mexican Independence Day Parade in Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood on Sunday.
Victor Hilitski/For the Sun-Times
A participant in the 55th Annual Mexican Independence Day Parade offers a twist on a slogan popularized by President Trump at the event on Sunday in Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood.
Victor Hilitski/For the Sun-Times
Participants carry a massive Mexican flag down the route during the 55th Annual Mexican Independence Day Parade in Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood on Sunday.
Victor Hilitski/For the Sun-Times
Horseback riders process near the Little Village Arch during the 55th Annual Mexican Independence Day Parade in Chicago on Sunday.
Victor Hilitski/For the Sun-Times
Spectators watch the procession behind metal barricades along 26th Street during the 55th Annual Mexican Independence Day Parade in Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood.
Victor Hilitski/For the Sun-Times
A spectator in traditional dress and facial makeup watches the procession Sunday during the 55th Annual Mexican Independence Day Parade in Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood.
Victor Hilitski/For the Sun-Times
Community members and leaders celebrate Sunday near the Little Village Arch during the 55th Annual Mexican Independence Day Parade in Chicago.
Victor Hilitski/For the Sun-Times
Mayor Brandon Johnson and supporters toast Sunday near the Little Village Arch during the 55th Annual Mexican Independence Day Parade.
Victor Hilitski/For the Sun-Times
Dancers in traditional regalia perform with ceremonial copals Sunday near the Little Village Arch during the 55th Annual Mexican Independence Day Parade.
Victor Hilitski/For the Sun-Times
Crowds line 26th Street as classic cars and participants process down the route during the 55th Annual Mexican Independence Day Parade in Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood on Sunday.
Victor Hilitski/For the Sun-Times
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and lieutenant governor candidate Christian Mitchell wave to the crowd while marching alongside supporters Sunday during the 55th Annual Mexican Independence Day Parade in Little Village.
Victor Hilitski/For the Sun-Times
A rider on horseback reaches out to greet a young spectator Sunday along the route during the 55th Annual Mexican Independence Day Parade in Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood.
Victor Hilitski/For the Sun-Times
Spectators wave flags and watch from apartment windows overlooking 26th Street during the 55th Annual Mexican Independence Day Parade in Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood on Sunday.
Victor Hilitski/For the Sun-Times
Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza waves to spectators while riding on horseback Sunday during the 55th Annual Mexican Independence Day Parade in Little Village.
