CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Mayor Brandon Johnson has openly acknowledged that there should be a better way to celebrate Mexican Independence Day in Chicago than having boisterous, disorganized crowds and caravans clogging downtown.
Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35th), the mayor's floor leader, said he supports calls for an official City observance:
"For St. Patrick's Day, our city does a big, formal celebration downtown — well, maybe formal's the wrong word — a big, raucous celebration downtown," he said. "I see no reason why, for such an important part of our city, the Mexican American community, we wouldn't do the same."
Ramirez-Rosa said he'd like to see an official observance keep the history of the celebration in mind with its historic, midnight declaration of independence.
"A priest stood up and said, 'Let's fight for our freedom; let's fight for independence,' and the Mexican independence uprising began," he said. "I think it's important that we replicate that. There are small celebrations throughout the city that replicate that dynamic. I think we should have a big one downtown."
Ald. Michael Rodriguez (22nd), whose ward features the annual celebration along 26th Street, agrees.
He added that, in all cases, people need to act responsibly.
"I'm happy to share some of my expertise, if there is going to be something citywide and downtown, to help make that event one of the successful events of our city's year," Rodriguez said.
The mayor, meanwhile, said he's hearing lots of ideas.
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