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CBS News
05-05-2025
- Business
- CBS News
Cinco de Mayo Parade is canceled, but other celebrations are happening in Chicago
It's Cinco de Mayo, but unfortunately, the annual Little Village parade has been canceled. Celebrations, however, are happening in Chicago. What led to the cancellation of the Cinco de Mayo parade According to organizers, the Little Village parade was canceled due to deportation concerns. While the primary concern is safety, the move will cost businesses and the community money. Organizers say canceling this year's parade will cost the Chamber of Commerce about $1.5 million. Small businesses that depend on the crowds to eat and shop will also lose $5 to $6 million. Businesses in the community have already been losing money, some down 60% since the first of the year. Guerrero Auto Repair has seen a decline in clientele. "We had a high clientele of Venezulans, Columbians, Cuban, different other races, Mexican as well. We've seen that amount of clientele decrease since the Trump administration," said Erika Cruz. "I think it's more important to be safe right now than sorry," Hector Escobar of the Cermak Road Chamber of Commerce said. Organizers said they are planning for the event's return next year. Where to celebrate Cinco de Mayo For those looking to celebrate the holiday, Fulton Market's Carnivale restaurant is celebrating by serving Latin-inspired dishes and cocktails starting at 5 p.m. The MLK Skating and Bowling Center will host a skate and bowl fiesta from 5 to 8 p.m., during which walking tacos will be available for purchase. Cinco de Mayo celebrates Mexico's 1862 victory over France during the Battle of Puebla. However, the holiday is not Mexican Independence Day, which is scheduled for Sept. 16.
CBS News
11-04-2025
- Business
- CBS News
Chicago Cinco de Mayo parade cancellation will cost businesses, community
Immigration fears have forced Little Village to cancel its annual Cinco De Mayo parade , and while the primary concern is safety, the move will cost businesses and the community money. Guerrero Auto Repair has been a proud participant in the Chicago Cinco De Mayo parade for more than 30 years. "It's something every year we look forward to," said Erika Cruz of Guerrero Auto Repair. "Our kids are fourth generation. We want to teach them about our culture, a lot of stuff we grew up with." But that lesson will be lost this year now that the parade has been canceled. "It was a hard decision, but people are afraid, very afraid of the new administration, Donald Trump," said Hector Escobar of the Cermak Road Chamber of Commerce. There have been raids by Immigration and Customs Enforcement across the country, including in Chicago, so the thought of attending a public event in the neighborhood raises a frightening question. "Most of this is, like, what about if the immigration shows up?" Escobar said. Organizers say the chamber of commerce will lose about $1.5 million by cancelling this year's parade. Businesses that depend on the crowds to eat and shop will lose $5 million to $6 million. But the chamber pointed out that businesses in the community have already been losing money, some down 60% since Jan. 1, which Cruz's family can attest to. "We had a high clientele of Venezuelans, Colombians, Cubans, different other races," she said. "We've seen that amount of clientele decrease since the Trump administration." While the chamber understands the concern, they understand the need for safety. "I think it's more important to be safe right now than sorry," said Escobar. The question now is how long will they live in fear? "I mean honestly, it's been so crazy with this administration that we don't know what is going to happen tomorrow," he said.
