9/15 - Mexican Independence Day Celebration - Harlingen

 In celebration of Mexico’s Independence Day, the City of Harlingen is hosting the annual “Mexican Independence Day Celebration,” a free festival for the public on Sunday, Sept. 15 beginning at 11 a.m. at Lon C. Hill Park in coordination with “National Hispanic Heritage Month”.

 

The celebration will begin with a festival at 11 a.m. featuring live bands, vendors, and family activities at Lon C. Hill Park. The celebration will conclude with an evening filled with the music and pageantry of the Mexican culture beginning at 5 p.m. at the Harlingen Municipal Auditorium. Later, Consul of Mexico, Ministro Rodolfo Quilantán Arenas, will initiate the traditional “El Grito De Dolores” ceremony, or “The Shout for Independence”, representing one of the most iconic Mexican civic celebrations. It recalls the moment in which Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, a parish priest in the village of Dolores Hidalgo rang the bell of the parish on the early morning of Sept. 16, 1810 and called Mexicans to rise against the Spanish crown and fight for independence.

 

“This year, Mexico, friends of Mexico and all Mexicans around the world commemorate the 203^rd anniversary of the most important date in Mexico’s history – its birth as an independent nation,” Consul Quilantán Arenas said.

“I look forward to continuing our tradition of celebrating Diez y Seis” Harlingen Mayor Chris Boswell said. “This event is great opportunity for our community to recognize the importance of our nation’s relationship with Mexico and our bi-cultural heritage here on the border.”

Lon C. Hill Park and The Harlingen Municipal Auditorium are located at 1204 Fair Park Blvd. Seating is limited for the 5 p.m. performance. For more information, please contact the Harlingen Convention and Visitors Bureau at 956-423-5440.

- City of Harlingen Press Release by Esmeralda Martinez