In partnership with our cross-sector public safety organizations, Titan Security is taking the following steps to support our clients and staff members in the anticipated events related to Mexican Independence Day on September 16, 2024.
From the City of Chicago:
The City of Chicago will Celebrate Mexican Independence Day with multiple events and parades citywide, including the new El Grito festival in Grant Park on Saturday, September 14 and Sunday, September 15. The official holiday is Monday, September 16.
Mexican Independence Day is a day of commemoration of culture and the City of Chicago encourages those celebrating to do so safely and responsibly. We remind those participating in events to be respectful of their neighbors and communities, as well as workers at critical facilities such as hospitals. They should also be mindful of first responders and emergency vehicles that are required to pass through areas where celebrations are occurring citywide.
To ensure the safe movements of all vehicles and persons, the Chicago Police Department will be visible and present to ensure safe celebrations. CPD will enforce adherence to traffic regulations, including those in instances of illegal obstruction, stopping, parking, and/or interference of traffic.
Mexican Independence Day Activities
Expect increased traffic in the downtown area and where events are taking place citywide due to celebratory activities through September 16. If they become necessary, expect street closures in the Central Business District along with diversions to control traffic flow. Plan accordingly and allow extra time if traveling in the area.
Residents who live or work in the affected area, employees and all critical care workers will be allowed entry at one of the access points below:
- Halsted/Division
- Halsted/Chicago
- Halsted/Washington
- Halsted/Madison
- Halsted/Jackson
- Division/LaSalle
- Roosevelt/Canal
- Desplaines/Canal
- 18th/State
- 18th/Michigan
- 18th/Indiana
If you are planning to head to El Grito in Grant Park, the parade, special event or local restaurants and establishments, utilize transportation options like the CTA, Metra, Uber, Lyft.
Scheduled Mexican Independence Day Events
Saturday, September 14 and Sunday, September 15 from 2 p.m. – 10 p.m. in Grant Park: El Grito Festival
The event in Grant Park’s Butler Field will feature music, food and a celebration of Mexico’s independence. Jackson will be closed from Columbus to DuSable Lake Shore Drive. Public transportation is strongly encouraged. Parking is available through the event parking partner, Millennium Garages. Their Millennium Park Garage and Millennium Lakeside Garage are just across the street from the festival at 5 S Columbus Drive. Book your parking online HERE to receive the custom El Grito parking discount. For complete details, visit Grito Fest | Festival in Chicago, IL (elgritochicago.com).
Sunday, September 15 from 10 a.m. – Noon: 2024 El Grito Family Run/Walk 5K – Little Village: The annual El Grito 5K starts at the corner of 26th St. and Kostner and proceeds to Kedzie Ave where participants turn and head back down 26th St. to Manual Perez, Jr. Plaza. For details, visit ElGrito.enmotive.com/events.
Sunday, September 15 from Noon – 3 p.m.: 26th Street Mexican Independence Day Parade – Little Village: The parade will continue its tradition by kicking-off from the historic Little Village Arch located on 26th street and Albany Avenue and proceed down 26th street to Kostner Avenue. For complete details, visit LittleVillageChamber.org/26th-street-mexican-independence-day-parade/
Sunday, September 15 at 1pm: Annual Mexican Patriotic Parade – Commercial Avenue: The parade route will head south along Commercial Avenue from 87th St. to 100th St. and disband at 101st St to 103rd St.
Titan Security’s Response to Added Security Coverage:
- Notifying our staff members of pending restricted access to areas in Chicago;
- Reviewing schedules and transportation requirements;
- Updating schedules and adding extra coverage where requested;
- Providing a letter of authorization to identify staff members as essential workers;
- Reinforcing lockdown and civil unrest safety procedures;
- Monitoring alerts from our public sector partners;
- Dispatching field supervisors in marked vehicles to respond to incidents and support our staff members; and
- Adding resources to our 24/7 Security Operations Center, which is active to take all calls at any time and can be reached at (312) 902-3400.
In addition, Titan’s Managers including Senior Leadership team members are active to support staff and clients.
Precautions to Take
The Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) reminds private sector firms to ensure their street-facing cameras are in good working order and recording is enabled.
The OEMC Operations Center will be monitoring accordingly. However, because situations develop and change rapidly, additional attention to monitoring news media and other sources for rapidly developing events and updates would be prudent.
OEMC issues alerts and notifications needed to keep residents and attendees up to date on weather conditions and emergencies.
- Sign up for NotifyChicago alerts at NotifyChicago.org
- CHILAKE: For lakefront notices, TEXT “CHILAKE” to 7-8-0-1-5
- CHIBIZ: For alerts affecting businesses, TEXT “CHIBIZ” to 6-7-2-8-3
Know Before You Go
For safety and preparedness at your fingertips, residents and festival goers are encouraged to download the Chicago OEMC App. The public safety tool provides safety information, preparedness tips, emergency alerts, weather information and more in the palm of your hand. Users will also have access to current forecasts, radar, and other weather-related information as well. The app is available through the Apple App and Google Play stores or visit the website, Chicago.gov/OEMC.
Questions?
If you have any questions or concerns regarding security coverage, please contact your Titan representative or the Titan office at (312) 902-3400. We will continue to communicate with you via email and at http://securechicago.com/posts/.
As always, if you “See Something, Say Something.” For life-threatening emergencies, call 911. To report suspicious activity, call 855-RPRT-2-S4 (855-777-8274).