Greenbelt Cultural Center hosts Fiestas Patrias event

Celebrate Independence for Mexico and Central American countries, including Belize, Honduras and Guatemala, at Fiestas Patrias, a free event from 2 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 11, at the Greenbelt Forest Preserve, shelter B, North Chicago. Enjoy music and dance performances, contests and children’s activities.

Headlining the entertainment will be the band Chicano Express performing at 5 p.m. The entertainment lineup also includes Mariachi Ameca, Aztec and Erandi Folkloric dance performances, Honduran Marimba music, jalapeno-eating and dance contests and salsa and merengue dance instruction.

Children’s activities include nature exploration, face painting, a roving clown, SpongeBob and Dora, and pickup soccer games with trophies. Authentic Hispanic foods and beverages will be available for purchase.

The event is presented by the Greenbelt Cultural Center and has been sponsored by Great Lakes Credit Union and PACE Suburban Bus.

The U.S. Navy Color Guard will pay tribute to heroes of the Sept. 11 tragedy.

Fiestas Patrias commemorates Fr. Miguel Hidalgo’s cry for independence from Spain on Sept. 16, 1810, and is celebrated in Mexico like the Fourth of July is celebrated in the United States. Historical re-enactments of El Grito — Hidalgo’s call for independence — will be staged at the Greenbelt event.

The Greenbelt festival also celebrates the battle for Independence from European powers by Central American nations.

Greenbelt Forest Preserve is across the street from the Greenbelt Cultural Center, 1215 Green Bay Road, south of Belvidere Road, in North Chicago.

For information about Fiestas Patrias or the Greenbelt Cultural Center, call (847) 968-3477.