CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) —Hundreds of Chicagoans lined 18th Street in Pilsen on Saturday to see the horses, low-riders, mariachi, and high school marching bands making their way through the neighborhood’s 20th annual Mexican Independence Day Parade.
“Mexican Independence Day is a big celebration of our culture in Mexico, and we keep teaching our kids,” said parade attendee Marta Villas.
As a grandmother, Villas shared parts of her heritage that she continues to pass on through the generations of her family.
“Language is the first thing that I don’t want them to lose, and Mexican culture: the food, the customs, all of the festivities.” Villas said. “We don’t let it die.”
The parade in Pilsen was just one of many celebrations across the city leading up to and beyond Sept. 16, the day in 1810 when Mexico declared independence from Spain.
“Well really, our whole background since we were kids, it’s been a tradition every year to go ahead and make sure you show your pride and support,” said Ray, another parade attendee.
Ray was with his wife and two daughters. While all four of them were born in the United States, Ray said they still celebrate their Mexican heritage.
“To make sure that those traditions are not forgotten,” Ray said. “Even though we are in a different country, we still support our culture.”
Like Villas, Ray said food is a big part of that culture.
“There’s nothing like mole poblano from Puebla,” Ray said. “It’s actually handmade by my aunts, and that’s by far the number one plate ever.”
Among the vendors selling chicharrones and other goods along 18th Street was Val, with Val’s Personalized Design, who was selling T-shirts that were screen-printed for the occasion with figures of Mexican-American significance.
“I have Selena, we can never forget about Selena,” Val said. “Karol G, Bad Bunny, Vicente Fernandez, he passed away, but his music remains living, and Canelo for next week — the fight.”
Little Village’s Mexican Independence Day Parade stepped off at noon on Sunday.
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