W. Chicago celebrates Mexican Independence

As West Chicago celebrates Mexican Independence Day this weekend, a homegrown dance troupe that aims to bring residents together will perform in the city's parade and celebration.

Danza Jardineros and St. Andrew Multicultural Dance Troupe will be part of the Mexican Independence Day Parade and Celebration. The parade steps off at noon Sunday, Sept. 13, in the city's downtown, with the celebration afterward.

The Mexican Cultural Center-DuPage is bringing the dance troupe to the event by using a portion of the National Endowment for the Humanities and the American Library Association grant funding recently received by the West Chicago Public Library.

Dancers range in age from 6 years to adult, many of whom are fulfilling a lifelong dream to dance. The group was established by Lulu Lavariega, with the help of Phoebe Smith of the St. Andrew Lutheran Church in West Chicago. Carmen Osorio, Lavariega's daughter, also is involved with the group.

"My mother had a vision to provide a free program to the community where dance would be the tie that would unite such a diverse community," Osorio said. "Phoebe and the St. Andrew Lutheran Church took us in and allowed us to begin the program without forcing memberships to the church. The program allows anyone, regardless of gender, race or religion, to take part."

The dances performed include those from the Mexican regions of Jalisco, Veracruz and Chiapas. However, the dances mainly focus on the region of Oaxaca, which has a more indigenous culture and is where Lavariega originally lived. The costumes all are created by Lavariega.

"This is the part where I would like to brag about her," Osorio said, her pride in her mother's ability shining.

"She is a wonderful seamstress. I'll come up with a design and she'll make it happen, but we keep in mind the authenticity of each design. We rely a lot on donations for the materials to make each costume and hairdress. Some materials have to come from Mexico to ensure the authenticity of each costume."

While the group hopes to one day have its own dance studio space to give its students a real world experience, it is very grateful to St. Andrew Lutheran Church for providing a place for the group to practice.

The Mexican Independence Day Parade and Celebration will feature the participants in the Miss Fiestas Patrias DuPage Pageant. Each teen who took part in the pageant Sept. 4 represented a Mexican state through speeches, costumes and performances. The contestants will wear their regional costumes to the Independence Day celebration.

The Mexican Cultural Center-DuPage is based in West Chicago, a community with more than 100 years of history of Mexican immigration and contributions of Mexican Americans to the community.

For information about the Mexican Independence Day Parade and Celebration, visit the Mexican Cultural Center DuPage's Facebook page at facebook.com/pages/Mexican-Cultural-Center-DuPage/640844102609684.