An outbreak of gang violence on Sunday forced cops in Chicago to abruptly cancel the Second City’s annual Cinco de Mayo parade, police announced.
“Out of an abundance of caution, the Cinco de Mayo parade has been canceled to protect the safety of all in attendance, including families and children,” the department said on X.
“This decision was made in agreement between CPD’s 10th District, elected officials and parade organizers following gang violence in the area,” police said. “At this time, multiple arrests have been made, including gun arrests.
“CPD is currently clearing the parade route and asking all parade-goers to return home safely.”
The parade to commemorate Cinco de Mayo — celebrating the May 5, 1862, Mexican defeat of French forces at the Battle of Puebla — has been an annual tradition in the Windy City for years.
The route takes revelers through Little Village and Pilson, with this year’s festivities kicking off at Douglas Park on Friday and scheduled to end with the Sunday parade.
However, officials deemed the safety risk too great.
The parade was last canceled due to restrictions from the COVID pandemic.
Meanwhile, violent crime continues to plague Chicago, including a bloody Memorial Day weekend last year that left nine people dead and 43 wounded from a series of shootings.