As people in Waukegan and around Lake County prepare to celebrate the independence of Mexico and other Latin American countries, primarily from Spain approximately two centuries ago, this weekend they have a choice of celebratory activities.
Elizabeth Marrero, one of the organizers of the Viva La Independencia parade in Waukegan, said Mexico gained independence from Spain on Sept. 16, 1810, and five Central American countries did the same on Sept. 15, 1821.
Though there is a strong Mexican influence, Marrero and Oscar Zepeda, who organized the Festival de Independencia gathering, said it is important to include people from a variety of Hispanic communities at the independence celebrations.
“We come from diverse cultural backgrounds and so many different countries,” Marrero said. “This is about unifying the community. We are not separate communities. The United States was built on immigration.”
Along with unifying people from a variety of Hispanic cultures, Zepeda said some of the participants are immigrants themselves, while others are children of people who immigrated to the United States and still more are grandchildren.
“We need to keep the traditions of Hispanic heritage alive for the younger generations,” he said. “We’re doing this for the children. We are all one Hispanic community. This will be a huge party.”
Margaret Carrasco has organized three days of Fiestas Patrias events, including a beauty pageant, a festival with music, food and vendors, historic commemorations and a horse show.
A daughter of Mexican immigrants who came to the area to work the fields and eventually were employed by Abbot, Carrasco also said handing the culture to future generations is important. Her grandchildren are third-generation Americans.
“This year, the Fiestas Patrias goal is that our culture and traditions continue on forever,” she said. “Continuing our culture is our goal.”
A parade, two festivals with activities including food, music, historic readings and more open Friday night and conclude Sunday evening at different locations in Waukegan.
The Viva La Independencia parade begins at noon Sunday near the intersection of Washington and Butrick streets, near Robert Abbott Middle School, and proceeds east to County Street in downtown Waukegan.
Marrero said there are approximately 30 organizations in the parade as well as a variety of other participants, including costumed riders on horseback, vintage vehicles, the Waukegan High School marching band and a group of Mexican high school drummers from Chicago.
Joining the parade will also be a group of Mexican officials and dancers in costume. A military marching group will do a flag presentation. A troupe will also display a battle simulation between Mexican and Spanish troops symbolizing the war for independence.
The Festival de Indepencia takes place from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday in the municipal parking lot near the intersection of Washington Street and Sheridan Road. Zepeda said at 3 p.m. an official from the Mexican Consulate in Chicago will read the Grito de Delores.
Originally read by Father Miguel Hidalgo on Sept. 16, 1810, Zepeda said it motivated the Mexican War of Independence. It was a call to arms and an important part of the independence day celebration.
Throughout the day, Zepeda said there will be traditional music, food and vendors. Tacos, Mexican snacks and other foods will be served. People can come before the parade, after the parade or both.
Fiestas Patrias starts with a beauty pageant at 6 p.m. Friday in the west parking lot at Bertrand Bowling Lanes on Washington Street. Carrasco said the four finalists — Amy Aileen Rodriguez, Leslie Gonzalez, Kimberly Romero and Melanie Trujillo — will compete wearing cultural attire, a formal gown and answer questions in an interview.
“They’re going to walk down a fashion show-type runway to a stage at the end,” Carrasco said. “It will be easier for people to see them.”
Continuing Saturday from 1 to 8 p.m., Carrasco said the beauty pageant queen will be crowned at 4 p.m. and the Grito de Delores will be read at 7 p.m. There will be a variety of cultural groups including singers and dancers.
Finishing Sunday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., she said a horse show is scheduled at noon. There will be music, food, vendors and entertainment throughout the day.
Along with Mexico gaining its independence on Sept 16, 1810, five Central American countries — Honduras, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Guatemala and Nicaragua — did the same on Sept. 15, 1821.
Chile became independent from Spain on Sept. 18, 1820, Colombia on July 20, 1819 and Peru on July 28, 1821. Belize gained independence from the United Kingdom much later, on Sept. 21, 1981.