Viva Mexico! Minneapolis celebrates Mexican Independence Day
AGENDA 21 RADIO
With the Grito de Dolores (The Cry of Dolores), the Mexican War of Independence was declared on September 16, in 1810. In the small town of Guanajuato, the fight began to rid Mexico of Spanish Colonial rule. This national holiday is celebrated far beyond the borders of Mexico–including in Minneapolis, which has a large Latino population. The Powderhorn/Phillips neighborhood is full of Mexican and Latino-owned businesses, restaurants and shopping centers all eager to showcase their heritage. Minneapolis held not one, but two fiestas to mark the occasion on Lake street. The first took place last Sunday and included Mexican dancers, caballeros showing off their horses, children screaming with delight in various bouncy houses and folks enjoying music while eating elotes–roasted corn covered in chili. The second celebration happened at the Mercado Central at the corner of Bloomington Avenue and Lake Street where traditional Chinelo dancers delighted the crown while music filled the air.
Photographer Mark Peterson went to both. Check out his photos below.
Traditional Chinelos dancers entering the celebration
A group protesting the disappearance of 43 students in Mexico.
