Chicago is home to a proud and vibrant Mexican-American community—the city's best Mexican restaurants are delicious proof of that fact. But that community and fellow Chicagoans will not be able to celebrate their heritage at the city's annual Cinco de Mayo Parade this year.
On Thursday, April 10, organizers announced that this year's parade—which has been held in Chicago's Little Village neighborhood, a major hub for Mexican culture and cuisine, for more than four decades—has been canceled, reportedly due to concerns about the Trump administration's immigration policies.
In a joint statement, the Cermak Road Chamber of Commerce and Casa Puebla announced their decision behind calling off the traditional Cinco de Mayo parade, which also usually includes musical performances and other festivities.
"Our community is very frightened because of the raids and the threat that ICE has imposed on the families that work tirelessly to provide a better future for their kids," the statement read. "Our community has faced bullying and prosecution and are not indulging in community activities, therefore we feel that there is nothing to celebrate."
It isn't the first time that Chicago's Cinco de Mayo festivities have been called off. In 2018 and 2019, Chicagoans had to forego celebration reportedly due to "lack of support" from Ald. George Cardenas, per The Chicago Sun-Times. COVID also added scheduling wonkiness to the usual proceedings, and last year's parade had to be rerouted due to gang-related gun violence, with 27 people taken into custody in connection with the incidents, reported NBC Chicago.
Organizers said they are planning for the event's return next year.
Best alternatives to the parade: How Chicago is still celebrating Cinco De Mayo in 2025
Just because politics are raining on our parade doesn't mean that there won't be colorful Cinco de Mayo celebrations happening throughout the city. Here are three to look out for next month:
- The Village of Bridgeview will be hosting a Taco Festival on Saturday, May 3 through Sunday, May 4. Held at 7325 W. 79th Street, the multi-day event will feature live music, arts and crafts, family-friendly activities (including a carnival!) and, of course, plenty of delicious Mexican food. You can grab tickets here.
- A lively Cinco de Mayo Bar Crawl will be popping around the best bars and venues in River North on Saturday, May 3. Your ticket will get you admission, a brunch buffet, gift cards to use on the crawl, festive drink specials and more! Snag your spot here. (There will be similar tacos-and-tequila bar crawls in Wicker Park and West Town, among others.)
- If dance is what you're after, head to Cumbia Catedral at Epiphany Hall on Friday, May 2. Come prepared for high-energy rhythms spun by some of Chicago's top cumbia DJs and take part in the ultimate cumbia dance contest, for a $500 grand prize. Find more information and tickets here.