ROCKFORD, Ill. — Just days before Mexican Independence Day, which is celebrated on September 15th, organizers and the Rockford Park District confirm that ‘Fiesta’s Patrias’ a celebration of Mexican Independence has been canceled.
Organizers posted on social media Thursday afternoon saying,
“[We] have decided to cancel Fiestas Patrias Rockford 2025 due to concerns about the personal safety of the attendees, vendors, and performers. Canceling this celebration, which highlights the culture and heritage of the Latino Community, was a difficult decision made with the best interests of our community in mind.”
The event, which was originally supposed to be on Sunday, September 14th, was expected to draw hundreds out to Levings Park.
The Rockford Park District echoing the announcement by sharing the news on their social media page just hours later.
The move comes after a war or words between President Trump and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, as Trump plans on enacting ICE and Federal Immigration Deportations in Chicago. Similarly, NBC 5 Chicago reports certain Latino festivities in Chicago have also canceled amid rising deportation fears including El Grito Fest in Grant Park and other festivities in Waukegan.