The sounds of a guitar and accordion from Chicago band, Los Okay-Bros, stuffed Grant Park Saturday afternoon, as hundreds of revelers jumped inside bounce homes, browsed retailers and sampled quesadillas and elotes to have a good time Mexican Independence Day on the “El Grito” competition downtown.
“We got here to have a good time our ethnicity,” mentioned Liz Castelan, a 37-year-old resident of the Austin neighborhood. “We’re happy with our tradition, and we’re happy with our freedom.”
Castelan mentioned her 4-year-old son just lately began asking about Mexican heritage, and the competition appeared like an ideal alternative for him to study extra whereas having fun with good music and tacos. Her 2-year-old daughter and 2-month-old son additionally tagged alongside.
Billed as a family-friendly occasion, El Grito Chicago marks the primary central downtown celebration of the Sept. 16 vacation in a decade, honoring “Mexican historical past, tradition and gastronomy,” in accordance with its web site. El Grito or “the Cry of Independence,” marks the start of Mexico’s battle for independence from Spain.
Metropolis officers and Mexican leaders additionally organized the two-day competition on Saturday and Sunday partly to assist deter the automotive caravans which have dominated the streets in recent times, which have led to issues about security, visitors delays and arrests.
“We contribute to this nation, to this metropolis, in unbelievable methods economically, socially, politically and culturally. We pay hundreds and hundreds in taxes within the metropolis,” Jaime di Paulo, president and CEO of the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, advised the Tribune. “Our neighborhood deserves the house and the time to be celebrated downtown.”
Mates Fabian Godina and Areli Salazar, each 22, made the two-hour journey to the competition from downstate Regular after seeing an commercial on TikTok. The bands, dancing and scrumptious meals made the commute price it, they mentioned.
“We (Mexicans) actually work exhausting for all the pieces we do in our lives,” Godina mentioned. “It’s enjoyable to have a good time it, and present who we’re.”
“The best way that everyone comes collectively and celebrates,” Salazar added. “We haven’t been to something Mexican .. the place we reside in Regular we don’t have this sort of stuff. We now have to return right here for all the pieces, however we actually take pleasure in it.”
The Mexican flag was displayed on the fence surrounding the principle stage, whereas many attendees wrapped themselves in a single or wearing inexperienced, white and purple. Outdoors the park, autos waved the flag by means of the streets.
Organizers anticipate 10,000 individuals per day to attend the competition, which additionally consists of artwork actions, like paper flowers and ceramic portray, from the Nationwide Museum of Mexican Artwork, soccer clinics for teenagers from Chicago Hearth and performances from Ballet Folklórico de Chicago, the biggest Mexican folkloric dance group within the Midwest.
On Sunday, the consul normal of Mexico will host a free official commemoration of El Grito on the Petrillo Bandshell in Grant Park. Tickets vary from $10 to $175 per individual.
Previously, Michelle Munoz, 30, mentioned she celebrated the vacation downtown, becoming a member of the hundreds caravanning by means of the streets waving flags and yelling “Viva México.” When she heard in regards to the competition, she mentioned she was excited and instantly bought a ticket.
“It’s fairly good to do that. They get cash out of it, and it lifts up all bridges,” she mentioned. “Everyone’s already right here, and I’ve been seeing all cultures right here. It’s very nice.”
rjohnson@chicagotribune.com
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