Celebrating Mexican Independence Day, Chicago-style, with car caravans and flag waving: ‘It’s a sense of belonging’

Parading in caravans is nothing new and many other ethnic groups partake in similar celebrations to commemorate their Independence Day. Puerto Ricans, the largest group of Latinos after Mexicans in Chicago, also adorn their cars with their flags and parade once a year. During the September festivities, people from Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua join to honor their Independence Day on Sept. 15, as do Chileans on Sept. 18.