Police were forced to close a main road in Rusholme after hundreds of people gathered in the street.
Big crowds congregated in Wilmslow Road, also known as Curry Mile, to celebrate Pakistan Independence Day on Friday evening.
Police say the area was 'heavily congested' with pedestrians, as well as cars being driven up and down Wilmslow Road in an 'unsafe manner'.
Video footage shared on social media shows hundreds of people waving flags and sounding air horns.
Officers shut the road and dispersed the crowd with the help of a local councillor, a GMP spokesman said.
No arrests were made.
The celebrations have been widely criticised by community leaders as well as Greater Manchester Police.
Detective Chief Inspector Carol Hobson said: "It is really disappointing to see behaviour of this type whilst we, as a community, are trying to combat Coronavirus and keep each other safe.
"Friday night is one of the busiest in terms of demand on the police service and incidents like this one pull invaluable resources away from other people who may need the police more desperately. These blatant breaches slow us down.
"This being said, we are pleased that the majority of people engaged with us last night and listened to our officers. It’s vital that we continue to work together through these tough times and do the right thing."
Afzal Khan, MP for Manchester Gorton, slammed the celebrations on Twitter.
He wrote: "Disappointed, frustrated and angered with the appalling behaviour on Wilmslow Road last night.
"Not only is antisocial behaviour of this kind deeply disrespectful to Rusholme residents, ignoring the COVID-19 regulations puts us all at risk.
"To those who came from outside Manchester, knowing full well the COVID situation across our region, your choice to visit Rusholme last night increases the danger of spreading the virus further here and at your home.
"You should be ashamed - you have put your loved ones at risk."
