Planning begins for Sept. 16 observance

The Comision Honorifica Mexicana-American will host an event in celebration of the 16th of September Fiestas Patrias, Mexican Independence from Spain.

On the 16th of September, 1810, Father Miguel Hidalgo the parish priest of the small town of Dolores, issued his call for Mexicans to rise up and overthrow the Spanish rule. This call of independence is known as “El Grito,” the cry, and is widely celebrated all over Mexico today. Today it is simply rendered as “Mexicanos, Viva Mexico” and the crowds answer back with loud cries “Viva Mexico.” In Mexico City, the president of Mexico, gives the “El Grito” to the thronged masses gathered in the Zocolo and the same act is repeated in small towns and big cities across Mexico.

Today in Mexico the “El Grito” is delivered on Sept. 15 around 11 p.m. followed by fireworks and bands playing. The next day, Sept 16, is given over to a grand fiesta.

In commemoration of the historic event, CHMA will hold a reception at 6 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 15, at the CHMA Community and Conference Center, 466 E. Putnam Ave. Admission is free.

The event will include a casual Taquiza meal for $5, a silent auction, music and dancing and a presentation program to include the traditional “Grito.”

The Mexican Consulate was invited to participate in the event. The “Tiendita” from Arte America in Fresno will be on hand with traditional items for sale and a prize will be given to the person wearing the best traditional Mexican dress.

The annual Heritage Youth Awards winners will be presented with a cash award. The winners are nominated by the local schools and community and selected based on academics, achievements and attributes that model leaders of tomorrow.

Nomination forms can be obtained from Grace Munoz Rios at gmrios@ocsnet.net.