Fiestas Patrias marks Mexican independence
NEWS-SUN STAFF REPORT September 12, 2012 7:04PM
Updated: October 14, 2012 12:27PM
NORTH CHICAGO — Fiestas Patrias will be held Sept. 16 from 2 to 7 p.m. at Greenbelt Cultural Center, 1215 Green Bay Road.
Independence for Mexico and Central American countries, including Belize, Honduras and Guatemala, will be celebrated with music and dance performances, contests and children’s activities.
Headlining the entertainment is the band Fiera de Tierra Caliente performing at 5:30 p.m. The entertainment lineup also includes Mariachi music, dance performances, karaoke contests and DJ music with dancing.
Children’s activities include nature exploration, face painting and games with prizes. Authentic Hispanic foods and beverages will be available for purchase. The event is presented by the Greenbelt Cultural Center and is sponsored by Cricket and Great Lakes Credit Union.
Fiestas Patrias commemorates Father Miguel Hidalgo’s cry for independence from Spain on Sept. 16, 1810, and is celebrated in Mexico like the Fourth of July is celebrated in the U.S. The Greenbelt festival also celebrates the battle for independence from European powers by Central American nations.
Bring a lawn chair or blanket. The event will be held indoors if there is rain.
For more information, call (847) 968-3477 or visit www.lcfpd.org.
