Chicago banned its Cinco de Mayo parade after gangs opened fire just over an hour into the celebration.
The Chicago Police Department responded to the parade that began at 12 p.m. near Damen Avenue and Cermak Road on Sunday.
At 1:30 p.m., CPD announced that the parade had been canceled “out of an abundance of caution” due to “gang violence in the area.”
‘At this time, multiple arrests have been made, including firearms arrests. “CPD is currently clearing the parade route and asking all attendees to return home safely,” the announcement said.
Chicago’s Cinco de Mayo parade was canceled Sunday afternoon after police responded to “gang violence in the area.”
It is unclear if anyone was injured and why exactly shots were exchanged. Police remained on scene to process evidence.
Three cyclists wore hats on their backs while participating in the Five Boro Bike Tour in New York City on Sunday.
It is unclear if anyone was injured or why shots were exchanged. Police remained on scene to process evidence. NBCChicago reported.
The Chicago Fire Department was sent to the scene first until police joined them and attempted to divert the parade so residents and families could avoid the area.
The video showed a chaotic scene in which men were heard screaming as they ran as police attempted to contain the area.
Last week, Héctor Escobar, president of Casa Puebla, who helped plan the festivities in Little Village, said fox 32 was eager to resume the parade after a five-year hiatus.
“We really want to bring it back so the community can enjoy something beautiful,” Escobar said.
The Little Village parade was stalled for a couple of years due to “misunderstandings between organizers and District 12.” George Cárdenas’, the Chicago Grandstand reported.
Escobar told the outlet that the problems were finally in the past as the parade was due to return in 2022, but COVID got in the way.
Across the country, other cities have continued Cinco de Mayo, a holiday celebrating Mexico’s victory over the Second French Empire at the Battle of Puebla in 1862.
In Santa Monica, the Venice Cinco de Mayo Parade Festival began as dancers dressed in feathers and long skirts took to the streets and celebrated the holiday.
Children were also seen dressed in vibrant colors and wearing hats while girls sported colorful ribbons in their braided hair.
A variety of classic cars were displayed to the crowd while Mexican flags hung from the vehicles.
New York City cyclists took to the streets for the Five Boro Bike Tour and made sure to celebrate the fun holiday.
Three men were seen on their bicycles with large brown hats with colorful decorations hanging on their backs.
In Santa Monica, the Venice Cinco de Mayo Parade Festival began as dancers dressed in feathers and long skirts took to the streets and celebrated the holiday.
Children were also seen dressed in vibrant colors and wearing hats while girls sported colorful ribbons in their braided hair.
A man was seen wearing a feather piece on his head while dancing with sparkly body paint on his chest and jewelry.
A group of men were also seen riding horses at Oakwood Recreation Park.
A variety of classic cars were shown to the crowd while Mexican flags hung from the vehicles.
Meanwhile, two celebrations broke out in Colorado, one in Greely and another in Denver.
A live band took the stage in Greely, about an hour from Denver, as spectators enjoying their Sunday afternoon lined the street enjoying the show.
A man was seen wearing a feather piece on his head while dancing with sparkly body paint on his chest and jewelry.
Women were seen dressed in long, sparkly layered dresses and with large flowers in their hair in Greely, Colorado.
A Dallas man was seen sporting a large hat with teal daisy-themed glasses during the final round of the Byron Nelson golf tournament in McKinney, Texas.
The women were seen wearing long, layered, sparkly dresses, with large flowers in their hair.
Mexican flags were hung throughout the street as vendors sold community staples to residents.
In Denver, performers dressed in blue, yellow and white danced to traditional Mexican music at the Cinco de Mayo ‘Celebrate Culture’ Festival.
It was the 35th annual Cinco de Mayo celebration that took place at Civic Center Park.
A Dallas man was seen sporting a large hat with teal daisy-themed glasses during the final round of the Byron Nelson golf tournament in McKinney, Texas.
