Fiestas Patrias brings Mexican culture to Aurora
A corner of downtown Aurora is soon to become a bit like Mexico during Fiestas Patrias, a three-day celebration of Mexican independence hosted by the Aurora Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
So get ready for a variety of taco flavors, authentic churros, mariachi bands, a vibrant parade, a carnival and a business expo Friday to Sunday, Sept. 16 to 18, in the North River Street parking lot at River and Vine streets.
“It’s not every day that we get to experience what our parents left behind,” Norma Vazquez, executive director of the Hispanic chamber, said about the festival’s display of Mexican culture.
“Aurora is definitely an area that is a diverse community, and when we have the opportunity to showcase it, I think it’s just an overall wonderful experience.”
Aurorans and visitors won’t want to miss the Sunday festivities, which begin at 10 a.m. with a parade stepping off from the corner of River and Benton streets.
“Don’t miss the parade,” Vazquez said. “I think the parade is the icon of this festival.”
The parade will include dancers, musicians, local business groups and a colorful energy that conveys the Mexican culture. It will be led by Grand Marshal Gerardo Parra, owner of La Chicanita Bakery in Aurora.
“This is our business expo; this is our opportunity to capture the Hispanic marketplace,” Vazquez said.
Adding to the business side of the event, 13 food vendors will offer treats like tacos and Mexican pastries for sale. Other corporations, such as General Mills and Goya, will hand out free food samples, Vazquez said.
But La Chicanita’s free food offering will trump them all. The bakery is donating a 13-foot tall celebration cake that’s big enough to provide 6,000 pieces to Fiestas Patrias crowds. It’s set to be cut at 3 p.m. Sunday.
Visitors older than 21 can add a beer to their fest foods after the purchase of a $2 wristband proving they are of age.
The fiesta begins at 6 p.m. Friday with a night of four musical performances. Aside from mariachi bands, groups playing rock Banda, Cumbia, Tejano and Norteno music all will take the stage.
Saturday’s festivities, which run noon to 10 p.m., include the Parade of Nations at noon, organized by the Aurora Hispanic Heritage Advisory Board. Youths will wear cultural outfits to represent various Hispanic nations.
Fiestas Patrias is in its second year, and its organizers originally had to win over one alderman to allow the festival permission to take place.
But last year’s event was problem-free and the Hispanic chamber hopes to build a reputation of providing a fun and safe event for the community, said Rene Cruz, the chamber’s president.
“Regardless of how successful we feel last year’s event was,” he said, “the idea is always to make the event a greater success, bring more of the surrounding community into Aurora and give the Aurora community an opportunity to celebrate its diversity.”
If you go
What: Fiestas Patrias Aurora
When: 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 16; noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 17; noon to 8 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 18
Where: North River Street Parking Lot in downtown Aurora at River and Vine streets
Cost: Free; food and souvenirs for purchase; $2 fee for a wristband allowing those older than 21 to purchase alcohol
Info: (630) 264-2422 or <a href="http://www.ahcc-il.com/">ahcc-il.com</a>