CHICAGO – There was great excitement on social media throughout the weekend as motorists and downtown residents complained about significant road closures due to Mexican Independence Day celebrations.

Anthony Ard reported that because of the celebrations, it took him two hours to complete the eight-block route.

Although the official holiday falls on Monday, festivities continue throughout the weekend, including events such as the El Grito Fest and the 26th Street Parade for Mexican Independence Day on Sunday.

At around 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, convoys of cars decorated with Mexican flags streamed down Michigan Avenue.

Authorities had hoped that the El Grito festival would help reduce traffic congestion on the roads, but thousands of revelers continued to fill the streets, showing their Mexican pride with honking, singing and dancing.

Temporary road closures occurred Sunday evening, affecting areas from DuSable Lake Shore Drive to Halsted Street and from Division Street to 18th Street.

Residents, employees and intensive care staff in the affected areas are permitted access at designated points.

• Halsted/Division
• Halsted/Chicago
• Halsted/Washington
• Halsted/Madison
• Halsted/Jackson
• Division/LaSalle
• Roosevelt/Canal
• DesPlaines/Canal
• 18./State
• 18./Michigan
• 18./Indiana

Officials were also seen erecting barricades and attempting to control unruly crowds.

For those in downtown and surrounding areas not participating in the festivities, maneuvering onto local freeways was indeed a nightmare. However, some Loop residents said the situation seemed better than in previous years.