West Chicago celebrates Mexico's independence

Green, red and white was the color combination favored by many West Chicagoans for everything from their hair to their shoes Saturday afternoon as hundreds celebrated Mexico's independence day.

The annual Mexican Heritage Parade of horses, men in their sombreros and cultural garb, flags, balloons and more than 100 honking cars rolled through downtown West Chicago. And the display of cultural music and dance that followed moved the crowd. Award-winning Mexican folklore dance troupe Ballet Folklrico Quetzalcoatl's performance attracted quite a crowd near the intersection of Main and Galena streets.

“Mexican, white, black, Chinese it makes no difference,” said West Chicago resident Sonja Alvarez. “The music of our culture makes you want to move. It's fun to share it at events like this and watch others enjoy it, possibly for the first time.”

The group, founded in 1983 and directed by Juan Manuel “Nery” Cruz, features roughly 110 dancers ranging in age from 4 to 50. The group has placed in many national competitions. The music-and-dance troupe presents a traditional Mexican folkloric performance, with the choreography and costuming drawn from the rich and vibrant heritage and customs of Mexico.

Performers also re-enacted “El Grito.” Translated into English, it means “the cry,” and it refers to Sept. 16, 1810 — the day the Rev. Miguel Hidalgo rang a church bell in Mexico to call upon all to fight for liberty. Afterward began a war for independence that raged for 10 years.

“This is such an important event for the people of West Chicago and our neighbors,” said Mayor Ruben Pineda. “Not only is the event an educational, cultural display of a large population in the city, it's a celebration.”