Fiestas Patrias Parade Returns For Mexican Independence Day Celebration In Aurora

AURORA, IL — Aurora is celebrating Mexican Independence Day with the return of the Fiestas Patrias Parade for the first time since 2019.

Back by "popular demand," the City of Aurora is hosting the parade at noon Sept. 7 — a week before Mexican Independence Day, on Sept. 16 — in partnership with the Aurora Hispanic Heritage Advisory Board. Also honoring the city's Hispanic culture, the parade will feature floats, community groups and a public nomination process for grand marshal.

The return of the Fiestas Patrias Parade is "highly anticipated and expected to be a celebration like never before," city officials wrote in a news release.

"We are very excited to see the Fiestas Patrias Parade return to downtown Aurora," Aurora Hispanic Heritage Advisory Board Chairwoman Zayra Chavez said in a statement. "It's taken lots of planning, working with Mayor John Laesch's Administration, and support from the community. We're looking forward to not only hosting the Parade, but working with the public to coordinate additional festivities to celebrate our strong Hispanic culture."

The Board will also host a community engagement meeting from 6-7 p.m. July 31 at City Hall, 44 E. Downer Place, to gather feedback on additional festivities set to take place. Residents are encouraged to share their opinions on how organizers should add to the parade in the future.