Fiestas Patrias of Austin, is a non-profit organization founded in 1978 by Gilbert Velasquez. In the late 1970’s, Mr. Velasquez saw a need in the Mexican-American community to host the annual Diez y Seis de Septiembre celebration. For many years the annual Diez y Seis fiesta was held at Parque Zaragosa in east Austin. This event began as a private venture to resurrect the tradition of the celebration, but eventually we were able to receive nonprofit status to provide support to various programs for our youth and community. The mission of Fiestas Patrias of Austin is to preserve and promote the Mexican-American culture.