Terry D'Arcy Mayor | City of Joliet
Terry D'Arcy Mayor | City of Joliet
The City of Joliet will host the Fiestas Patrias Mexican Independence Day Parade on Saturday, September 13, 2025. The parade is scheduled to begin at 1:00 p.m. and will follow the historic Collins Street Corridor, a route that has been used for more than six decades to mark this annual celebration.
Organizers describe the event as an opportunity for the community to honor heritage, service, and civic pride. The parade is organized by a coalition including the former Fiestas Patrias Joliet Committee, the Joliet City Center Partnership (CCP), and a new committee led by Hispanic community leaders chaired by District 4 Councilman Cesar Cardenas.
“This parade is about more than celebration—it’s about gratitude,” explained Cardenas. “The men and families we honor this year have given so much to our community and our country. As we gather together for Fiestas Patrias, we celebrate their legacy while also passing on the pride of our heritage to the next generation.”
This year’s event will highlight local Mexican-American residents who have served in both military and civic roles. Grand Marshals include Mr. Joe Belman, a 101-year-old U.S. Army World War II veteran; Mr. Tony Arellano, a Vietnam War veteran; Lt. George Hernandez, retired from the Joliet Police Department; and Mr. José Duenez Sr., who will represent his late son Sgt. José Duenez Jr., U.S. Army.
The Grand Marshals are set to ride together on a dedicated float with an escort from the Joliet Police Honor Guard leading formal salutes at key points along the route.
Special Legacy Salute Stops are planned at Collins Street & Ohio Street—to honor Sgt. Sator Sanchez—and at Collins Street & Jackson Street in tribute to Don Navor Rodriguez, founder of the parade and WWII veteran.
For those interested in learning more about participation or sponsorships for this free public event, information is available through www.jolietccp.com/parade.
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