Thousands attend Celebrando Mexico

The sound of mariachi music and smell Mexican spices floated from the Community Center gym on Sunday afternoon as an estimated 4,000-5,000 people marked Mexican Independence Day.

"Celebrando Mexico," or "Celebrate Mexico," is in its second year. It pays tribute to the United States' neighbor to the south and also serves as an introduction to National Hispanic Heritage Month, which started Friday.

"I've had a great time," said Cindy Trigg, a member of the Douglas County school board and volunteer for U.S. Congressional candidate Jill Derby.

Though Trigg's primary duty at the event was to drum up support for Derby, she also found time to buy some jewelry, have her face painted, and meet a scores of parents. Some of them participated in workshops about education and parenting while their children played games or enjoyed an array of arts and crafts.

Ensuring their children receive a good education is "very important to them," Trigg said.

While people indoors ate, danced, shopped, and listened to music, a large group was outside watching youth soccer matches, also part of the celebration.

"I've been here all day," said Jonathan Ramirez, 15, and a student at Carson High School, as he talked with friends and occasionally watched the game. "My parents dropped me off early."

The highlight of the event was the traditional Grito, a re-enactment of Miguel Hidalgo's cry for natives to rise up after centuries of Spanish rule and oppression. The original Grito, which occurred at Dolores Guanajuato in 1810, is a solemn part of the Mexican independence celebrations.

The group sang the Mexican national anthem, many with the sides of their hands placed on their hearts. Then the United States was paid its due and given thanks.

The family-oriented event is sponsored by the Latino Parents Committee and the Latin American Chamber of Commerce. Proceeds will help pay for such school programs as "Latinos Hacia la Excelencia," or "Latinos for Excellence," which recognizes outstanding Latino students.

The Latino Parents Committee is involved in a variety of activities that aid Latino families, especially with education issues. It is seeking status as a nonprofit organization.

• Contact reporter Terri Harber at tharber @nevadaappeal.com or 882-2111, ext. 215.