West Chicago fest to celebrate Mexican independence

While Cinco de Mayo might be Mexico's best-known holiday, it's a holiday happening this month that proves most important for suburban residents of Mexican heritage.

This Sunday, the City of West Chicago will celebrate Mexico's independence with a parade and celebration that kick off at Joliet Street and Augusta Avenue. The holiday (which is officially Sept. 15) marks the anniversary of Mexican patriot Miguel Hidalgo's declaration of revolution against Spain.

And with a population that's approximately 50 percent Hispanic, according to West Chicago's Web site, organizers expect Sunday's festivities to draw more than 1,000 people.

Volunteers typically organized this annual parade and celebration, but this year West Chicago officials decided to step in and sponsor the event. Valeria Perez, a West Chicago staff member who helped organize this year's festivities, said the city knew it was time.

"This way the community knows that we do want to celebrate different cultural celebrations," Perez said. "Hopefully this will be an annual event and we will be able to have other cultural celebrations in the future."

After the hourlong parade travels over the Wilson Street bridge and ends in downtown West Chicago, the award-winning Ballet Folklórico Huehuecoyotl will perform folkloric dance. The group, which performs throughout the suburbs and Chicago, includes more than 50 dancers ages 5 to 35 years old.

And to keep the focus on history, local officials will speak about Mexico's independence, including Mayor Michael Kwasman, Pastor Arnie Ramirez from Out of Exile Ministries, and Consul Alberto Foncerrada of the Mexican Consulate, who lead a traditional bell-ringing that re-creates Miguel Hidalgo's ringing of church bells that started the Revolution against Spain.

Other musical performances scheduled during the post-parade celebration include St. Mary's Choir, Mariachis, Los Arnales de Tejas and Los Alacranes de Durango. Children can also visit clowns and take a swing at piñatas filled with candy.

In addition, West Chicago resident Victor López, who has been playing soccer for more than 7 years and goes by the stage name Victor09 Tha Freestyler, will perform interactive soccer ball tricks. And while he does encourage audience participation, novices shouldn't worry if their technique is rusty: only Lopez will be expected to dance with the ball on top of his head or do push-ups while balancing the ball on his back.

For full details on West Chicago's Mexican Independence Day Parade and Celebration, visit www.westchicago.org.

If you go

What: West Chicago's Mexican Independence Day Parade and Celebration

When: 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 14

Where: Steps off at Joliet Street and Augusta Avenue

Cost: Free admission

Details: (630) 293-2200, ext. 170 or www.westchicago.org

Schedule

The festival runs from 1 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 14, with the parade stepping off at Joliet Street and Augusta Avenue in West Chicago. Includes parade, music and entertainment.

SUNDAY

1 p.m. Parade

2:30 p.m. Ballet Folklórico Huehuecoyotl

3:30 p.m. Speeches by West Chicago Mayor Michael Kwasman, Pastor Arnie Ramirez from Out of Exile Ministries and Consul Alberto Foncerrada of the Mexican Consulate will lead "El Grito de la Independencia."

4 p.m. St. Mary's Choir performance

4:30 p.m. Mariachi music

5:30 p.m. Clowns, piñatas, soccer performance by Victor09 Tha Freestyler and music by Los Arnales de Tejas and Los Alacranes de Durango.