CHICAGO (WLS) — The city has plans in place to protect crowds and manage traffic, including a unique festival in Grant Park this weekend in preparation for Mexican Independence Day on Monday.

Chicago police and other city officials are busy preparing as tens of thousands of people are expected to descend on the city center for the festivities.

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On Friday, Chicago police officers were seen across the city, from State Street and Lake Street to Soldier Field.

There were people outside celebrating, all dressed in red, white and green, but the crowd was not as large as in previous years.

Municipal snow-clearing trucks are also on standby to close roads if necessary.

This happened as the first-ever family-friendly El Grito Festival kicked off Saturday in Grant Park.

The gathering is named after the historical tradition in Mexico that marks the beginning of the country’s struggle for independence from Spanish rule.

On September 16, 1810, Mexico declared its independence from Spain.

There have been El Grito celebrations in some Latin American neighborhoods in the city, but this is unprecedented.

The festival features national and local musicians, authentic Mexican food and activities that represent Mexican culture.

Festival organizers hope a centralized celebration can prevent traffic jams in the Loop, car caravans and street parties.

The president of the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce said he is confident the festival will ease traffic congestion in the Loop.

Deputy Manager Brian Hopkins, who represents the 2nd Ward, said the city is taking a proactive approach to keeping festivities at a distance.

The Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications and the Chicago Police Department have developed a plan to restrict access to the city center if necessary. The plan includes closing streets, access points for residents and people who work in the Loop, and keeping streets open for first responders.

Rolling street closures are possible in the areas shown below. People who live or work downtown are urged to bring identification to be allowed through. Visit Chicago.gov for more information.

Chicago police will deploy helicopters to monitor the festivities from the air.

Both festival organizers and city officials are encouraging festival-goers to travel by public transportation this weekend to avoid problems on the roads.

The El Grito Festival lasts from 2pm to 10pm on Saturday and Sunday.

About 10,000 visitors are expected.

Nearly 500,000 people are expected to attend the 53rd annual 26th Street Mexican Independence Day Parade in Little Village.

There will be a special ceremony on Sunday night, when Mexicans around the world gather each year to mark the moment when the call for freedom was first proclaimed.