MESILLA, N.M. — This past weekend, the town of Mesilla hosted its annual Diez y Seis de Septiembre fiesta. The Las Cruces community came together to celebrate the traditional Mexican culture in the region.
Diez y Seis de Septiembre commemorates the day in 1810 when Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla gave his revolutionary “Grito de Dolores”, a cry for liberation against Spain.
His speech rallied people to the movement, resulting in the start of an 11-year war for independence that began Sept. 16, 1810. On Sept. 27, 1821, Mexico won its freedom after almost 300 years of colonial rule from Spain.
The event kicked off Saturday morning with a parade along Avenida de Mesilla, followed by the welcome ceremony as well as two full days of performances, games and vendors.
Local groups came together to perform traditional Mexican song and dance for the community.
Two of the performers, Naomi Dominguez with the Ballet Folklorico Corazon de Las Cruces and Yvette Dominguez with the Mariachi Diamante de Las Cruces High School, have been practicing for almost a month in preparation for the celebration.
They both see this event as a way to showcase and appreciate their culture.
“It means a lot,” Dominguez said. “It’s a privilege to be here.”
Photo: Adrian Alonzo
Along with the performance stage, vendors lined the sidewalks. They offered a variety of arts and crafts, clothing, and food. The event packed the plaza with shoppers, audience members and community members. They all looked for a chance to celebrate and share their culture.
Maria Elena Lucero is one of many who share their love for their culture through dancing, even winning a tied first place with two other groups during one of the small competitions in between performances.
“It brings everyone together and cultures. It’s just wonderful,” Lucero said. “I come every year and we wouldn’t miss this. I love Las Cruces and I love Mesilla.”
The event finished Sunday afternoon with a performance by Tudy and the Silver Bullet Band, with couples coming up to dance along, concluding the weekend.
Photo Gallery for Diez y Seis de Septiembre fiesta
Yvette Dominguez sings for the community at the annual Diez y Seis de Septiembre fiesta.
Photo: Adrian Alonzo
A packed crowd sits watching the multiple performances throughout the day at the fiesta.
Photo: Adrian Alonzo
Shoppers line the sidewalks to browse the various vendors at the event.
Photo: Adrian Alonzo
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