Des Plaines festival celebrates Mexican holiday with food, dance
Des Plaines will once again say "Viva Mexico" on Saturday in celebration of Mexican Independence Day.
Lake Park will provide the scenic setting for the 12th annual fiesta featuring the dances and tastes of Mexico.
From 1-6 p.m., the Mexican Independence Day Festival will offer dancing, singing and food at the park at Touhy Avenue and Lee Street.
Hundreds of people are expected to attend the annual celebration.
"It is, in fact, our most popular multicultural event of the year," park district spokesman Gene Haring said.
Admission is free, while tacos and other food will be on sale at the festival.
The festival at Lake Park was started by the Des Plaines Park District in 1996, with support from The Mexican Civic Society of Illinois, Inc. (La Sociedad Civica Mexico-Americana de Illinois, Inc.)
Maine West High School Hispanic Student Group will offer face painting.
Ballet Sol Azteca, Banda Tierra Nueva and Ballet Folklorico are among the performers scheduled.
While Des Plaines will host the event on Saturday, Sunday marks Mexico's first proclamation of independence from Spain in 1810.
Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, a Catholic priest in the town of Dolores, proclaimed the rebellion with the "el Grito de Dolores," urging Mexicans to fight for their country.
After the rebellion, the Spanish withdrew their forces. But it wasn't until 1821 that Mexico acquired its independence from Spain.
Hidalgo was executed for his part in the revolution in 1811.
In Mexico City every year, the "grito," or cry, is reenacted by the Mexican president in a lavish celebration where he shouts "Mexicanos, viva Mexico!" at midnight.
The crowd calls back, "Viva Mexico!"
Similar grito celebrations are held around the country at midnight to ring in Mexican Independence Day. In Des Plaines on Saturday, the grito will happen a little earlier. It's set for 5:50 p.m.
If you go
What: Mexican Independence Day Festival
When: 1-6 p.m. Saturday
Where: Lake Park, Touhy Avenue and Lee Street, Des Plaines
Cost: Free
Call: (847) 391-5700 or visit www.dppd.org