Chicago's Mexican Independence Parade

General Information

The Mexican Independence Day is a major holiday in Mexico. The celebration begins every year on September 15 at 11p.m. In Mexico City, the president rings the historic liberty bell that priest Hidalgo rang to call the people on September 16. Then he goes and gives the cry in which he shouts "Mexicanos Viva Mexico" and the crowd echoes back.

History

In the year 1500 Spain conquered Mexico and named it New Spain. Life as a Native Mexican was hard as they were forced into slavery for more than 300 years. On September 16, 1810 a priest by the name of Miguel Hidalgo and Costilla started a revolt against the Spanish. Finally on September 16, 1821 the Spanish were defeated and from that day on Mexicans celebrate it each year as the day they gained their independence.

Celebration

The Mexican Civic Society of Illinois has hosted the Mexican Independence Day Parade for decades. This year marks the 199th anniversary of our Mexican Independence. The celebration of the Mexican Independence Day Parade is celebrated really big in Downtown Chicago. All Downtown is decorated with red, white and green flags and streamers. People on floats throw candy, flags, money and shirts to the crowd. On other floats there are people dancing to Mexican folk music, while others sing and dance with the mariachi. A festival is followed by the parade. You can find yourself with a lot different Mexican food like tacos, quesadillas, gorditas, tamales, tortas and much more. A low rider show is held and there are usually a lot games and rides for people of all ages.

References

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1. ^ http://www.kidzworld.com/article/3817-mexican-independence-day
2. ^ http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id=7012200
3. ^ http://www.westchicago.org/09.09.08_pr.html