Hispanic Community Gathers Together for Mexican Independence Day in Chicagoland Area

Cars were forming a line on the street of Harlem while their Mexican flags were swaying.

Cars were parked in a large parking lot, as people were preparing to drive on the street.

Every antique car was decorated with Mexican flags.

People raised their flags expressing their pride.

	By Delilah Cortez, Economic Justice Editor, The Real Chi

Every year Mexican Independence Day is a day that belongs to the heritage and culture of all Mexican people; a day of pride every year. This year’s Mexican Independence Day  was recognized on Sept. 16 and marked the 110th anniversary of the celebration. 

Chi-Town Classics Car Club organized its’ annual celebration that kicked-off in the parking lot of Scatchell’s Beef & Pizza located at 4700 W. Cermak Rd., Cicero, Ill. Although some people went to Scatchell’s for a quite bite of an Italian beef sandwich, more than 100 people came to the event 

This was my very first time participating this year, and it was eye opening because I’m not always engaged with my own culture. Seeing red, green, and white on Mexican flags and people’s clothing was a grand experience. Most people who arrived had antique cars, and they had music blasting from their speakers while others were sitting down eating and drinking. After about an hour and a half of socializing, they decided to drive their cars down Harlem Avenue with their music still blasting. The starting point was in Scatchell’s parking lot and ended by a local theatre. I was fortunate to participate in this event myself and celebrate my culture with the Hispanic community. The close knit community cruised down the street while whistling and chanting “Mexican Independence Day!” Those who weren’t driving were on the sidewalks swaying their Mexican flags in the air and chanting with the drivers. People also had signs up, and one that really stood out to me said “Save Our Children.” So they weren’t there just to represent their Mexican Pride, but they were also there to instill the justice of trafficking children. People at the event celebrated while raising awareness for real world problems, and that was the most important part of the event. While the participants were on the sidewalk chanting with signs, drivers were also celebrating in their own way. The drivers beeped at the people who were on the sidewalks, which made the event even more exciting. The sounds of laughter, music, and chanting made the community feel powerful and exhilarating.  Usually on Mexican Independence Day, there is a large parade downtown, but this year it had to be a smaller event because of COVID. But everyone is looking forward to next fall’s Mexican pride parade. With all else going on in the world, the Hispanic community gathered together as a family that night.