Get ready for a fiesta-filled weekend.
The Fox Valley is home to two separate celebrations for Mexican Independence Day, La Fiesta de Elgin and Carpentersville’s Fiestapalooza. The actual day, on Sept. 16, marks Mexico’s declaration of independence from Spain in 1810.
La Fiesta de Elgin is a two-day celebration with an extended Downtown Elgin Market featuring Latino items and vendors beginning at 3 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 13. The market is held on the Riverside Drive Promenade.
Gail Borden Public Library is hosting traditional cultural performances, including El Grito, which was Father Miguel Hidalgo’s call for independence, at 6 p.m. on Friday. The library’s presentation will be held at Civic Center Plaza, 125 N. Grove Ave.
The fiesta continues at noon on Saturday, Sept. 14, with a caravan of cars and motorcycles flying colorful Mexican flags. The route is from Slade Avenue to Douglas Avenue to Highland Avenue.
Friends of Masons will host a car meet from 5 to 8 p.m. on the south city hall parking lot, 150 Dexter Court.
Festival Park has even more La Fiesta de Elgin activities from 5 to 11 p.m. with music, food, children’s activities, and fireworks to top off the day. The park is located at 132 S. Grove Ave.
Bands scheduled to perform include Banda Peñasco de Zacatecas, Los Sementales de Nuevo Leon, La Potencia de La Musica Norteña, and Banda La Sinaloense.
Side Street Studio Arts is having a kids’ maker space featuring the popular Frida Kahlo sculpture. A large-scale Angel of Independence replica, found in Mexico City, is being installed at Festival Park this week.
Director of Cultural Arts & Special Events Amanda Harris said the Angel of Independence is impressive.
“It turned out even better than we could have imagined. (It’s) so beautiful and detailed,” Harris said. “We can’t wait to see it displayed in the park for La Fiesta de Elgin.”
She recommends arriving early to get parking in one of the city’s free downtown parking garages. Lawn chairs and blankets are welcome, but personal tents are prohibited, Harris said.
The fireworks start around 9:20 p.m.
For more information, go to elginil.gov/2525/La-Fiesta-de-Elgin.
Carpentersville’s second annual Fiestapalooza is from noon to 11 p.m. Saturday at Carpenter Park, 275 Maple Ave.
Trustee Brenda Sandoval said people attending the fiesta can expect great musical acts from the Chicago area, a performance by Grupo de Danza Folklorica Quetzaly, and a lot of food options. Those 21 and over can purchase a bracelet for $2, cash only, to buy and enjoy a margarita or michelada. “Some vendors may only take cash, so make sure you have it just in case,” she said.
“This year we wanted to ensure a family-friendly environment, so we will have a face painting booth and inflatable bounce houses for the kids,” said Sandoval, who’s on the village’s Special Events Commission. The children’s activities, held from noon to 4 p.m., are free of charge. “I hope to see lots of families coming out to enjoy a great day.”
Sandoval encourages people to carpool since there is limited parking around Carpenter Park.
Last year, about 5,000 people attended the free event.
Carpentersville, whose population is 53% Hispanic, has had events with a different name for Hispanic Heritage Month in the past, Sandoval said.
Fiestapalooza was created to “make sure that the Hispanic community felt like they were seen and represented,” she said. “We feel this is a great way to bring the community together to celebrate our culture and heritage.”