Arts within the Dark Parade: eleventh annual occasion steps off on State Street within the Loop, celebrating cultural teams downtown Chicago

CHICAGO (WLS) — Street performers, floats and costumed entertainers dazzled crowds Saturday for the eleventh annual Arts within the Dark Parade.

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Over 90 cultural teams lit up the Loop, with crowd attendance anticipated to exceed 100,000 for a glowing evening within the metropolis.

The parade stepped off on State Street at 6 p.m. and moved south from Randolph Street to Van Buren.

Organizers and the town say security is a high precedence, with full assist from the Chicago Police Department and metropolis officers.

Characters, performers and dwell music stuffed State Street as Chicago prepares for Halloween.

“We are presenting a number from the State of Guerrero, Mexico,” Necalli Cultural Movement instructor Jocelyn Hernandez stated. “It’s really special we get to express ourselves and show our culture.”

Talented younger individuals have been within the highlight marching and performing.

“I think the performances are great, the costumes are top tier, and it’s fun and it’s culture,” South Shore Drill Team mother or father Tanisha Griffin stated.

“It is beautiful that we get to see a Afrocentric style and dancers that may be looked over be able to shine their light,” stated Terri Woodall with Chicago Multicultural Dance/Hiplet Ballerinas.

Some bystanders could not assist however really feel to rhythm in all of the completely different sorts of music and joined in on the dancing.

“It’s so much fun to see people in the street tonight, and seeing the diversity of Chicago,” paradegoers Mayriam and Clara stated. “People are here to have fun and they are joyful, and it’s just wonderful.”

Whether onlookers have been there to assist the humanities or simply for just a little enjoyable, it was definitely a spirited evening on State Street.

“We are all suffering one way or another. It’s nice to come together and have a nice time and forget a little bit what’s going on and enjoy the moment, and that’s what’s going on,” Dan Diaz stated. “Paradegoer we are enjoying the moment and it’s so fun to be part of.”