El Pasoans gathered on Saturday at the El Paso convention center for a vibrant, colorful celebration of Mexico’s Independence Day.
“Vivamos México” celebrated Mexico’s 214th anniversary of independence with a fiesta featuring dancing, lucha libre, fireworks and music from El Paso bands and artists inside and outside the Downtown convention center.
Mexico declared its independence from Spain on Sept. 16, 1810.
“Juárez is our border city, and a lot of us are from Mexico here, so we all have our roots over there, and it’s important to keep the culture alive and pass on the history for children,” El Paso artist Blanca Estrada said while selling her art at a booth.
More than 24 wrestlers thrilled the crowd with lucha libre stunts in a wrestling ring inside the convention center. A kid’s zone included a petting zoo, games and rides.
“We have a lot of Hispanic people living here, especially that came from deep roots of Mexico, that’s where my mom and dad came from, so it’s an honor, and I believe this used to be Mexico’s land at one time,” said Pablo Heredia, member of the Imperial car club since 1979, who was showcasing their lowriders. “I like to see all the people get together that’s what brings love in my heart to see all the Hispanic people get along and be as one.”