The city of Elgin is commissioning a replica of Mexico City’s famous “Ángel de la Independencia” sculpture to be built for its La Fiesta de Elgin celebration in September.
Elgin-based ACME Design Inc. will be paid $26,700 for a 20-foot reproduction of “El Ángel” and several other prop items, including colorful blocks with letters spelling out the word “Mexico,” to be displayed at Festival Park for the two-day event celebrating Mexican Independence Day.
The actual sculpture dates back to 1910, when it was created to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Mexico’s Independence Day. It stands on a roundabout in Mexico City, where it attracts thousands of visitors annually.
“The replica will set Elgin’s event apart from similar events in the area,” Councilman Anthony Ortiz said of the decision made at last week’s Elgin City Council meeting, where money for the art was tentatively approved. “I’m excited for this.”
Ortiz had suggested last year that a traveling “El Ángel” exhibit be brought to Elgin for the Canta con Orgullo festival, which is being rebranded this year as La Fiesta de Elgin. It was too late in the planning process to make that happen, he said, but Amanda Harris, Elgin’s cultural arts and special events director, had an even better suggestion with the proposed replica.
“That lady has a lot of cool ideas. It will be awesome to have this,” Ortiz said.
City Manager Rick Kozal said the investment will be well worth it.
“This will create a lasting memory and impression,” Kozal said at the council meeting. “These props will be used for years and become a tradition on their own, solidifying the city’s commitment to the arts and culture represented in the greater Elgin community.”
Elgin’s Department of Cultural Arts and Special Events has been working with a consulting firm to develop a strategic plan, and one key point that’s emerged is residents’ desire for more diverse and unique programming.
Ortiz said he is glad the city is embracing the data, which reinforces his own beliefs.
“In the past, the city of Elgin suppressed the culture,” he said. “But with the council we have now, it’s not the same narrative. The city is embracing Hispanic culture.”
Ortiz co-organized a caravan for Mexican Independence Day five years ago as a member of the Friends of Masons. While the organization received support from the Elgin Police Department and Police Chief Ana Lalley, he said, the city offered none.
“The city didn’t want anything to do with us,” Ortiz said. “In my opinion, they didn’t want the Hispanic community to show they were dominant within the city of Elgin.”
Since Elgin’s population is at least 45% Hispanic, it makes sense to support festivals and events that appeal to that demographic, he said. He also likes that there’s been a commitment to making the September festival better each year.
This year, the caravan is included in La Fiesta de Elgin celebration, which will feature more bands and has been expanded to two days.
La Fiesta de Elgin could become as big and successful as Nightmare on Chicago Street, Ortiz said. Last year, it attracted about 8,000 people.
“I’m excited for this. I’m excited for the future of huge events,” Ortiz said.
La Fiesta de Elgin will be held Sept. 13-14. “El Angel” will be on display throughout the month.
Gloria Casas is a freelance reporter for The Courier-News.
