Noche Mexicana
Promise Yee
Oceanside, CA -- The eve of Mexican Independence Day was celebrated at the Civic Center Plaza on September 15. Noche Mexicana honored Hispanic heritage with five hours of live entertainment that loosely chronicled the song and dance of Mexico from the early Aztecs to modern Mestizos or “people of mixed culture.”
There were children’s crafts, and dozens of novelty and food booths.
The annual event began as a grassroots celebration in the library community room and has grown to an outdoor event that attracts hundreds. “I enjoy it every year,” Lourdes Garcia, event organizer, said. “We try to make it a little different each year, but how can you change it -- you can’t change history.”
A highlight of the evening was The Cry of Independence that commemorated the Gito de Dolores or “Cry of Dolores” speech by Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla. The speech fueled the fight for Mexican independence that was won in 1821.