An orgulloso Mexicano/a would come to appreciate Santa Fe Springs’ Fiestas Patrias as the place to be where you can express your authentic self with great food, fun music, and be surrounded by amazing people.
Fiestas Patrias is an annual celebration held at the Town Center Plaza on Friday, Sept. 13, 2019 organized by the Santa Fe Springs Parks and Recreation Services Division.
This years’ theme highlights the State of Hidalgo, named after the revolutionary leader Miguel Hidalgo celebrating Mexico’s Independence from Spain.
Revolutionary leader Miguel Hidalgo’s last name is spelled out with flowers. Attendees were free to take selfies with it.
Some of the festivities included live entertainment such as Mariachi music, Folklorico dancing, Mexican food trucks, arts and crafts, game booths and a beer garden hosted by the Santa Fe Springs Firefighters Association.
From tacos to churros, Mexican food was served by food trucks like Tacos Lulu, Cali Carribean, and Epic Tacos. Attendees we’re excited to try some of their food creating long lines for each food truck!
Attendees mingle as they wait for their food to be ready or ordered.
Fiestas Patrias main headliner was the renowned Mariachi Los Camperos de Nati Cano, the Grammy Award-Winning Los Angeles based mariachi ensemble started by Natividad “Nati” Cano.
Cenit Gerra, 24, a city employee, started working at Santa Fe Springs for four months and has enjoyed working here ever since.
“Prior to working here I never knew the city organized events until I got hired, they gave us a rundown about fiestas patrias and what I would do” Gerra said.
She explains further what her role is as a city employee.
“I work at the senior center so we provide services for seniors like transportation, we organize events for them so they could socialize, but we also provide services for families because we have case workers and we have homeless resources.”
Gerra goes on and says what she enjoyed the most from Fiesta Patrias,
“I really like the live entertainment especially the mariachi and the dances. They remind me from my hometown in Durango, Mexico. It’s nice to see that here.”
As Fiesta Patrias opens its doors to the public, a mariachi band performs their songs.
Jose, 21, a Santa Fe Springs local, found out about the festival from a poster at the Santa Fe Springs Post Office on his way home from work.
“This is my first time coming here and so far it’s pretty entertaining. I get to spend time with my family, eat some food and be a part of the Mexican community.”
Kids activities included a jumper, rock climbing and arts and crafts. Photo credit: Karen MiramontesThe moment attendees were all waiting for was the traditional “El Grito” or The Shout for Mexico’s Independence.
A tradition that was carried out by Miguel Hidalgo since September 16 1810, the Santa Fe Springs City Council, a Mexican Consulate representative and beauty pageants stood on stage as they ring the bell for Mexico’s independence as they sang along their national anthem.
Kids activities included a jumper, rock climbing and arts and crafts.
Fiestas Patrias has shown the community how far we’ve come and the obstacles our ancestors had to face, it’s important to know the history of Mexico along with other Latin countries.
So take the time to learn and appreciate what it means to be hispanic or latinx in this special month.
Colorful decorations and bright lights were placed at the Fiesta Patrias event.
