Caption by Ashmar Mandou

Celebrate the vibrancy of the Mexican culture this weekend as the City prepares to celebrate Mexican Independence Day. From parades, to mural tours, there are a plethora of ways to experience this special time. We’ve compiled a few things for you to enjoy.

26th Street Mexican Independence Day Parade
Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025
One of the largest parades in the Midwest, the 26th Street Mexican Independence Day Parade draws over thousands of participants and spectators to the heart of Little Village. The theme of the 54th edition of this iconic parade is “Pride and Power: Our Strength, Our Legacy,” honoring the resilience, contributions, and cultural richness of the community.

National Museum of Mexican Art
Nestled in the heart of Pilsen, the free National Museum of Mexican Art honors the Mexican community with an array of art exhibitions that beautifully capture the richness, diversity, and history of Mexican and Mexican American culture. A visit to the museum is a perfect way to deepen our understanding of our shared history this Mexican Independence Day.

The Butterfly House at Navy Pier
Monarch butterflies hold a special place in the heart of the Mexican community, symbolizing resilience, transformation, and a deep connection between people and nature. As you celebrate Mexican Independence Day, consider connecting with nature by admiring monarch butterflies and hundreds of others from all over the world at The Butterfly House at Navy Pier. 

The Pilsen Mural Tour
The Pilsen Mural Tour is a resident-led walk through some of the neighborhoods’ most iconic pieces of public art. The tours travel through 50 years of murals colorfully expressing the history, struggles, and culture of the Mexican community in Pilsen.