News Flash

The Waukegan Police Department sent out a Media Release regarding Fiestas Patrias and Desfiles de Independencia Parades in Waukegan and excerpts follow.  The Waukegan City Council approved special event permits for two parades taking place on Sunday, September 17, 2023:  the Fiestas Patrias Parade and the Desfiles de Independencia Parade.  The City recognizes both events as patriotic and important celebrations for Waukegan’s Latino community.   The City is looking forward to a fun, festive and celebratory day.  

Both parades will travel the same route eastbound on Washington Street from Butrick/Jackson Street to Sheridan/County. The Desfiles de Independencia Parade will start at 10 a.m. and will be completed by noon.  The Fiestas Patrias Parade will begin at 12:30 p.m. and end at 2:30 p.m. Each parade will have floats and community groups marching in on the route. Waukegan Police expect thousands of residents and visitors to line the route and gather at post-parade festivals. The Desfiles de Independencia Parade will have an after celebration in the City of Waukegan lot F located at 575 S. Sheridan Road, this celebration will end at 10:00 PM. The Fiestas Patrias Parade will have an after celebration at Bertrand Bowl located at 2616 Washington street in Waukegan, also ending at 10:00 PM

Holding two major parades in one day in the City of Waukegan is an unprecedented event. To accomplish this the City must allocate its resources in a deliberate and careful manner.  With limited resources available to maintain traffic and pedestrian safety, horses or other livestock will not be permitted to participate in the event, and especially not allowed in the downtown area. 

The full Media Release is available in English y en Español.