Mexican Independence Day Parade For Joliet Is Returning After Taking 1 Year Off: Details Here

(The city of Joliet has issued the following press release.)

JOLIET, IL — The Joliet community is invited to celebrate heritage, service, and civic pride at the Fiestas Patrias Mexican Independence Day Parade on Saturday, September 13, 2025, beginning at 1:00 p.m.

This free, family-friendly event celebrates Mexican heritage and history, with attendees encouraged to line the streets, wave flags, and honor the contributions of local heroes. The parade will take place along the historic Collins Street Corridor, a legacy parade route that has hosted Fiestas Patrias celebrations for more than 60 years.

The event is being organized through a collaborative effort involving the former Fiestas Patrias Joliet Committee, the Joliet City Center Partnership, and a newly formed committee of Hispanic community leaders chaired by Joliet District 4 Councilman Cesar Cardenas.

“This parade is about more than celebration—it’s about gratitude,” explained Cardenas. “The men and families we honor this year have given so much to our community and our country. As we gather together for Fiestas Patrias, we celebrate their legacy while also passing on the pride of our heritage to the next generation.”

This year’s parade will also pay special tribute to the remarkable legacy and contributions of Joliet-area Mexican-Americans who have proudly served both their country and community.

The 2025 Grand Marshals represent courage sacrifice, and community impact:

• Mr. Joe Belman – 101-year-old U.S. Army WWII veteran
• Mr. Tony Arellano – Vietnam War veteran
• Lt. George Hernandez – Retired Joliet Police Lieutenant
• Mr. José Duenez Sr. – Accepting on behalf of his late son, Sgt. José Duenez Jr., U.S. Army

The Grand Marshals will ride together on a dedicated parade float, escorted by the Joliet Police Honor Guard, who will lead the procession and render formal salutes at key heritage markers along the parade route.

The event will also feature Legacy Salute Stops:

• Collins St. & Ohio St. – Honors at the statue of Sgt. Sator Sanchez, a World War II hero

• Collins St. & Jackson St. – A salute to Don Navor Rodriguez, parade founder and WWII veteran.