Cicero Celebrates Mexican Independence Day with Four-Day Festival – The Town of Cicero

The Town of Cicero proudly hosted its annual Mexican Independence Day Festival, a four-day celebration that ran from Thursday, September 10 through Sunday, September 14, culminating with the traditional El Grito on Sunday evening.

The festival drew thousands of residents and visitors to Cicero’s fairgrounds, offering a weekend filled with family fun, live music, cultural performances, authentic food, and vibrant entertainment. The event highlighted the importance of Mexican culture and heritage within the Cicero community.

Sunday night’s festivities began with the official El Grito de Independencia, led by Mexican Consul General Reyna Torres Mendívil, who was warmly welcomed by town officials. Joining her on stage were Cicero President Larry Dominick, First Lady Diana Dominick, Town Trustees Victor Garcia and Blanca Vargas, State Representative Lisa Hernandez, and Ms. Cicero, Maylin Zacarias.

“This is one of the greatest events of the year in Cicero,” said President Dominick. “Our town is rich in culture, family traditions, and pride—and this celebration is a way of bringing everyone together. I’m proud to lead a town that respects and celebrates all cultures, but especially today, we honor our Mexican families who are the heart of this community.”

Consul General Torres Mendívil emphasized the deep significance of the event. “This is the most important celebration in the Mexican civic calendar. And of course, it’s something that resonates throughout the U.S. With the millions of people of Mexican origin living here, it’s amazing that they keep the traditions alive and keep their history fresh. In times like these, it’s a way to show pride.”

She also shared her joy at seeing Cicero families and young people embracing their heritage: “It’s amazing. I love seeing young people wearing traditional Mexican dresses, listening to mariachi music, and enjoying the food. It’s wonderful.”

Speaking directly to the community, Consul General Torres Mendívil offered a message of encouragement: “I think that no matter what others may think, people of Mexican origin should be proud. Our community contributes so much to the greatness of this country, and we should all feel proud of that.”

Looking toward the future, she added: “I hope future generations are strong and resilient—just as strong and resilient as their parents and grandparents. But most importantly, I hope they grow up to be a new generation of binational, bicultural, and bilingual people. That makes them even stronger.”

The evening featured a show-stopping performance by beloved Mexican singer Diana Reyes, who took the stage at 8 p.m. and thrilled the crowd with her powerful voice and energetic presence.

As the evening drew to a close, President Dominick sang God Bless America, showered the crowd with colorful confetti, and tossed t-shirts into the cheering audience—capping off a weekend full of unity, joy, and pride.

With its blend of tradition, entertainment, and community spirit, Cicero’s Mexican Independence Day Festival once again proved to be one of the highlights of the year, leaving families with unforgettable memories.