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-- See video of Mexico's Dia de la Independencia at the bottom of this page --
Click here to see a slideshow of Dia de la Independencia
Smells of simmering carne asada from taco trucks filled the evening breeze as live mariachi music played across the street on the main stage of the City Plaza, providing an enchanting scene to celebrate Mexico's Dia de la Independencia on Sunday.
For senior Javier Garcia, neither Dia de la Independencia nor Cinco de Mayo, which many misinterpret as Mexico's independence day, were ever celebrated at home, he said.
"It's mentioned, you know, but it's not celebrated like you're going to have a big party," Garcia said.
The holiday began Sept. 16, 1810, when Mexico declared independence from Spain, and is part of Hispanic Heritage Month, which started Sept. 15. Several other Latin American countries celebrate their independence from overseas rule this month, too.
"This is the most that I've seen - ever - in Chico," said Garcia, a Nu Alpha Kappa brother.
Nu Alpha Kappa was one of two Greek groups that tabled at the event. Members of the multicultural sorority, Delta Xi Phi, painted children's faces for $1.
About 2,500 to 3,000 people filled the square, dancing, eating and visiting some of 19 vendors lining the walkways.
"The goal was basically to bring people together and just allow them to participate at a second place away from their homes where they could feel welcome," said David De La Rosa, coordinator of the event.
De La Rosa, a Chico State graduate and the vice president for the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Northern California, said aside from an opportunity to celebrate the holiday, he wanted an event that reached out to the entire community, not just Latinos.
"They prosper as attendees by learning, 'Hey, there's a doctor that speaks our language, there's a bank that has services for us, there's a hospital that's willing to reach our children for pediatric care,'" De La Rosa said.
As the blazing sun faded, the scene of children splashing in the cool waters of the fountain gave way to circles of dancing men and women as the last of the four bands began to play its set.
"At first, it was just another day of celebration for me when I was younger," said junior Christina Alvarez, the political affairs representative for Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlan, a student political group that emphasizes strength through unity.
Sometimes holidays create a negative party buzz that dampers the true meaning of historical days, Alvarez said.
"I know there's more to Mexican Independence Day then just partying, you know?" she said.
Meghan Moriarty can be reached at mmoriarty@theorion.com
Video by Juan Aguilar
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