Chicago’s El Grito festival back on, set for Pilsen church after postponement

CHICAGO (WGN) — A popular Mexican Independence Day celebration is back on after being postponed last week due to concerns over immigration enforcement. 

El Grito Chicago will proceed as planned after being postponed, along with other events, due to potential Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity and the possibility of National Guard deployment. The celebration was initially scheduled for Sept. 13 and 14 at Grant Park in downtown Chicago.

El Grito translates to “the cry” or “the scream” in English, as historically, it has marked the start of Mexico’s war for independence. Organizers in Pilsen say it symbolizes the fight against oppression, which is why they add that it is paramount that the event continues as planned.

“This is going to be one of the safest places for our community. We don’t want to put anyone at risk,” said Omar López, vice president of Comité Cultural Mexicano de Chicago.

While organizers in Pilsen say the El Grito celebration will proceed as planned, it will take on a different look from years past. This year, a church in the Pilsen area will host the festival.

“The Mexican community is going to reaffirm its presence in the city of Chicago, but nationwide,” López said.

The festival was postponed in early September due to concerns over immigration enforcement. This week, the Department of Homeland Security announced it is launching an immigration crackdown in chicago called Operation Midway Blitz. According to a post on X, the Immigration and Customs Enforcement operation will “target the criminal illegal aliens who flocked to Chicago and Illinois.”

Chicago Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez disagrees.

“We’re not detaining criminals or violent criminals, we are detaining workers, someone selling flowers in the streets was detained, someone trying to make a living for their families,” Sigcho-Lopez said.

It will now take place on Monday, Sept. 15. at St. Paul Catholic Church, near 22nd Place and Hoyne Avenue.

It will be called a solidarity celebration.

Organizers say the original “Grito” was marked by the ringing of a church bell. It has long symbolized the fight against oppression, and in its currency, it is seen as a rallying cry for freedom, dignity, and justice. 

“We are living in dark times in our country, but in Chicago, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. If there is any beacon of hope, it’s here in Chicago,” Sigcho-Lopez said.

Organizers say the event will be an interfaith celebration with music, cultural performances, and speakers from immigrant justice organizations.