Aurora celebrates its children Saturday
Aurora will celebrate the cultural importance of children and families Saturday during an afternoon festival sponsored by the Aurora Hispanic Heritage Advisory Board.
El Día de los Niños, or Children's Day, is free and runs 1 to 5 p.m. April 24 at the Aurora Transportation Center parking lot on the corner of Spring Street and Lincoln Avenue.
Since 1925 the special holiday, usually celebrated on April 30, has grown as an annual celebration throughout Mexico and other Latin American countries where families, schools and communities come together to value and support children in the community.
Board Chairwoman Diana Torres said the day is set aside to celebrate children, pay homage to their importance in society and endorse their well being.
"We're piggybacking on the national celebration and adding a new healthy twist that promotes families and kids having good clean fun," Torres said.
This year's event will feature more physical attractions like moon jumps and climbing walls than in the past.
"Basically we want to encourage kids to run around, have fun and be mindful of what their bodies can do so fitness is definitely a key this year," she said.
The event also features a full entertainment lineup including performances by the Aurora Family Focus theater and dance groups, traditional Ballet Folklorico dance troupe, Radio Disney AM-1300 and the Aurora Rebels Cheerleaders, the 2009 Amateur Athletic Union Junior Olympic Games Gold medalists and National Champions.
The City of Aurora Hispanic Heritage Advisory Board is a city-funded group organized to serve as a bridge between the Hispanic community and all other communities in the city.
"This is a Hispanic tradition, no doubt, but we want everyone to come out and celebrate regardless of their heritage," Torres said.
<p class="factboxheadblack">If you go</p>
<p class="News"><b>What:</b> El Día De Los Niños (Children's Day)</p>
<p class="News"><b>When:</b> 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 24</p>
<p class="News"><b>Where:</b> Aurora Transportation Center parking lot at the corner of Spring Street and Lincoln Avenue</p>
<p class="News"><b>Cost:</b> Free</p>
<p class="News"><b>Info:</b> <a href="http://aurorahispanicheritage.com/diaNinos.html" target="new">aurorahispanicheritage.com/diaNinos.html</a></p>