Free Mexican Independence Day celebration in Sonoma on Sept. 16

Free afternoon celebration courtesy of Nuestra Voz. Dacing, food and a bit of history.|

Though Cinco de Mayo gets all the attention, the true national holiday in Mexico is celebrated on Sept. 16, marking the beginning of the Mexican War of Independence, in 1810. On that date the rural priest Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla from the small town of Dolores, near Guanajuato, raised El Grito (the cry) of freedom to throw off the chains of Spanish domination.

Nuestra Voz of Sonoma is hosting a celebration of Independence Day of Mexico at the Sonoma Plaza this Sunday, Sept. 18 with a five-hour fiesta from 2 to 7 pm.

The festivities start with a conch call announcing the Aztec Dancers (Danza Azteca) to set the tempo – and folk dancers in colorful, authentic costumes will follow.

After a performance by dance company Ballet Folklorico, there will be a civic presentation by a representative of the Mexican consulate in San Francisco, and a colorful flag-waving demonstration by the traditional horsemen Charros de Sonoma.

At 5 p.m. there will be an elegant and solemn civic ceremony, as American and Mexican flags are carried in on horseback while national anthems are sung and short speeches are given.

Next, the rousing Grito – the Shout of Dolores – reenacts the exact moment when the Mexican people were inspired by their priest to be victorious over the Spanish armies. For those who want to do their own dancing, the evening ends with a live band.

Stalls serving fresh, traditionally-crafted Mexican food and info booths will be set up in the horseshoe area of the Plaza, and attendees can circulate around the City Hall to the north side for the family dance party.

The festival in the past has seen more than 4,000 attendees.

Nuestra Voz of Sonoma produces the free, family event for the entire community. The nonprofit organization has offered programs serving the Sonoma Valley community for 15 years from its base in Agua Caliente.

Among the local event sponsors are Ceja Vineyards and Carneros Brewing, Wine Country Garden Center, Sonoma Materials and the First Congregational Church of Sonoma.

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