Fiestas Patrias of Austin presents the 38th annual Mexican Independence celebration is set for September 17, 2016 at Fiesta Gardens Park West. This City of Austin Park is located on the north shores of Lady Bird Lake east of I H 35. Commemorating Mexico’s declaration of independence from Spain in 1810, Fiestas Patrias of Austin invites the Austin community to the Mexican Independence celebration to celebrate and recognize the national holiday of Mexican Independence Day.

   This celebration will bring the Hispanic community together to celebrate the rich heritage, history, and culture of their Mexican ancestors who fought for their independence from the Spanish government during the early 1800’s. The determination to succeed in seeking liberty, and correcting social injustices imposed by the Spaniards inspired Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla to proceed and execute his plans for revolution on September 15, 1810.

   Many countries throughout Latin America, South America, and the Caribbean are also celebrating their independence during the month of September. During the month of September, National Hispanic Month is observed throughout the United States as Latinos celebrate the independence of their ancestral country from Spain.

   This one day event will feature a variety of Tejano bands under the pavilion. These bands that will bring the extraordinary sound of the accordion to life through various levels of rhythms and beats so that may find yourself dancing to cumbias, boleros, rancheras, and many other dance styles that are popular with the performing bands. The unique sound of these various musical groups using different types of musical instruments along with vocal harmony of lead and backup singers brings the heart, soul and culture of Mexico and Texas to life on the stage at Fiesta Gardens.

   We will also have a Ballet Folkorico dancers from the Austin area with their colorful dance outfits performing a variety of Mexican dances that have originated from various regions of Mexico. Mariachis will also fill the pavilion with traditional music.

   Along with the tradition festival food fare of hamburgers, Bar-B-Que brisket, hot spicy chicken wings, turkey legs, corn on the cob and other delights, there will also be many food booths specializing in festive foods and many different culinary delights from the    Mexican and Mexican-American cultures. Food specialties like gorditas which are made from cornmeal, fried and then stuffed with fajitas, chicken, chicharones, beans and then topped with vegetables makes this unique delicacy a must try meal experience. Various tacos made with flour or corn tortillas and then topped with salsas of varying heat temperatures and other condiments will make your mouth water and have you craving for more.

     Fiesta Gardens is located at 1901 Jesse Segovia St. Coming south on I H 35 take the Cesar Chavez exit. Take a left on Cesar Chavez St. to Chicon St. and head south to Fiesta Gardens Park. Coming North on IH 35 take the Cesar Chavez exit and take a right. Continue east to Chicon St. Take a right on Chicon St. and head south to Fiesta Gardens Park.  For further information about this event visit our website at www.diezyseis.org