Aurora's Fiestas Patrias celebrates Mexican Independence Day

Even those who don't share a Mexican heritage will sense something familiar in Aurora's Fiestas Patrias celebration.

The day — which features a parade and cultural performances — celebrates Mexico's independence from Spain, achieved in 1810.

“It's a celebration of Mexican culture, particularly of Mexican Independence Day,” said Adrienne Holloway, chairwoman of the Aurora Hispanic Heritage Advisory Board, which helps organize the event.

“I would liken it to our Fourth of July,” Holloway said. “It's that sense of pride, that sense of community. That would be a great parallel to understand how this event is received.”

The day opens with the Fiestas Patrias Parade, stepping off at 11 a.m. with dancers, musicians, horseback riders and motorcades. In all, 46 units will wind their way through downtown Aurora.

The parade is a prelude to an afternoon and evening of music, food and family activities at Aurora's RiverEdge Park, a 30-acre park and performance space adjacent the Fox River. Admission is free.

Holloway said city officials asked the advisory board to host this year's Fiestas Patrias celebration. The board, created in 2002, presents several special events each year, including a community breakfast in January and El Dia De Los Ninos in May.

The annual Fiestas Patrias event draws crowds of between 3,000 and 5,000, Holloway said.

“This event is about celebrating and sharing Hispanic heritage,” Holloway said.

After the parade, Simply Destinee will perform at 12:15 to lead up to the official opening of the festival at 12:45 p.m., when Aurora Mayor Tom Weisner and the advisory board are expected to lead a Parade of Nations.

On the main stage, nationally recognized folk dance troupe Ballet Folklorico Quetzalcoatl, based in Aurora, performs about 2 p.m. Ritmo Flamenco takes the stage at 3 p.m. and Andrea Y Su Mariachi Michoacano follows at 4 p.m. The evening will feature performances by Fuerza Versatil, El Bandelero and Alerta Zero.

Families will be able to buy food and enjoy children's activities, Holloway said.

“It's a very family oriented event, where we have activities intended to engage children,” she said.

The children's area, on the south end of the park, will feature inflatable bounce rides, face painters, balloon artists and a Chicago artist who makes wax impressions of children's hands. SciTech, Aurora's interactive science and technology museum, will have a hands-on display set up.

Still, parents won't miss the stage show even if they're in the children's area.

“We'll have a video wall with a live feed,” Holloway said.

Parking will be available in the commuter lot directly across the street from the park and in several city lots within walking distance. The park is located close to the Aurora Transportation Center, a hub for buses and trains, she said.

Fiestas Patrias parade and festival

<b>When: </b>Parade at 11 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 13; festival from noon to 8 p.m.

<b>Where: </b>Parade in downtown Aurora; festival at RiverEdge Park, 360 N. Broadway, Aurora

<b>Cost:</b> Free

<b>Info:</b> <a href="http://www.riveredgeaurora.com">riveredgeaurora.com</a> or (630) 896-6666