Santa Rosa’s biggest cultural party is back. On Sunday, Sept. 14, Luther Burbank Center for the Arts throws open the gates for its 16th annual Fiesta de Independencia, a six-hour blast of music, food, dance and community. From 1 to 7 p.m., the whole campus turns into a block party that draws thousands — and it doesn’t cost a dime to get in.
The fiesta started in 2010 as a way to mark Mexican Independence Day. These days, it honors all the Latin American nations that celebrate independence in September. What hasn’t changed is the spirit: this is about showing up for culture, putting North Bay talent on stage and giving families a full afternoon out without worrying about ticket prices.
Music that moves people
This year’s headliners are dance-floor veterans with serious followings. Tiranos Del Norte, the norteño crew out of Mexicali, are bringing their accordion-and-bajo sexto magic — songs built for singing along. Banda Maguey, from Jalisco, were early stars of the technobanda wave, mixing brass and keyboards into a sound that hits like a party starter. If you’ve seen them before, you know to expect a packed lawn.
Sharing the spotlight are homegrown talents: Mariachi Cantares de mi Tierra and Ballet Folklórico students from LBC’s own programs. The mariachi group just took third place at the State Fair youth competition, and now they get to bring it home in front of a Sonoma County crowd.
More than music
If you’ve been, you know Fiesta is as much about wandering as it is about headliners. Food vendors set up with regional plates, aguas frescos and plenty of paletas. Artisans sell crafts, and community groups come out to connect with families. You’ll see kids with painted faces, grandparents claiming shady spots and people bumping into friends every few feet…