31st Annual Diez y Seis Fiesta Austin,Tx - 2009 Diez y Seis Press Release

"Youth, Culture, Community"

Press Release

For immediate release on August 10, 2009

Contact person: Julius Velasquez

Diez y Seis hotline: (512) 538-1351

Fiestas Patrias of Austin presents the 31st annual Diez y Seis de Septiembre fiesta music festival to be held on September 11-12, 2009 at Fiesta Gardens. This City of Austin park is located on the north shores of Town Lake east of I H 35. Commemorating Mexico’s declaration of independence from Spain in 1810, Fiestas Patrias of Austin invites the Austin community to the Diez y Seis fiesta to celebrate and recognize the national holiday of Mexican Independence Day.

This fiesta will bring the Mexican and Mexican-American communities together as they celebrate the rich heritage, history, and culture of their Mexican ancestors who fought for their independence from the Spanish government during the early 1800’s. The determination to succeed in seeking liberty, and correcting social injustices imposed by the Spaniards inspired Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla to proceed and execute his plans for revolution on September 15, 1810.

On this web site you can find a brief history of the events that lead up to Mexico’s declaration of independence on September 16, 1810.

The two day event will feature a variety of Tejano, Conjunto, and Norteno bands that will bring the extraordinary sound of the accordion to life through various levels of rhythms and beats. The unique sound that is incorporated using different types of stringed, horned, and electronic instruments along with the vocal harmony of these colorful bands brings the heart and soul of Mexico to life on the stage at Fiesta Gardens. Musical acts and entertanment are subject to change.

Highlighting the two day event is Gary Hobbs, A. J. Castillo, Raulito Navaira plus many more musical acts at this year's event on September 11-12. On September 12 there will be a BBQ cook-off featuring fajitas, chicken, beans, and salsa as many BBQ cooks compete for the best in each category. Also, the "Show Ur Ride 'Ese Car Show will take place on Saturday, Sept. 12 with some of the best decorated, chromed, painted, and modified vehicles from the surrounding area.

There will also be many different booths with games, jumping balloon, arts & crafts.

Along with the tradition festival food fare of hamburgers, Bar-B-Que, corn on the cob, hot wings and other delights, there will also be many food booths specializing in festive foods and many different culinary delights from the Mexican and Mexican-American cultures. Food specialties like gorditas which are made from cornmeal, fried and then stuffed with fajitas, chicken, chicharones, beans and then topped with vegetables makes t unique delicacy a must try meal experience. Various tacos made with flour or corn tortillas and then topped with salsas of varying heat temperatures and other condiments will make your mouth water and have you craving for more.

Many of the countries throughout Latin America, South America, and the Caribbean are also celebrating their independence during the month of September. During the month of September, National Hispanic Month is observed throughout the United States as Latinos celebrate the independence of their ancestral country from Spain.

Fiesta Gardens is located at 1901 Bergman St. Coming south on I H 35 take the Cesar Chavez exit. Take a left on Cesar Chavez St. to Comal St., which will be your second traffic light. Take a right on Comal St. heading south for six blocks to the parking area located behind Martin Jr. High.

Heading north on I H 35 take the Cesar Chavez exit. Take a right on Cesar Chavez St. to Comal St., which will be your second Traffic light. Take a right on Comal St. heading south for six blocks to the parking area located behind Martin Jr. High.

For further information about this event contact the Diez y Seis hotline at 512-538-1351 or view or web-site at www.diezyseis.org e-mail julius@diezyseis.org

Historical Significance of Diez y Seis de Septiembre

The tradition of the Diez y Seis de Septiembre festival dates back to September 16, 1810, when the impoverished peasants of Mexico, declared their independence from Spain. It would take eleven more years for the country to gain its freedom.

This year the 31st annual Diez y Seis de Septiembre fiesta is a two-day fiesta on September 11-12.The evening wil be highlighted on September 12, with the re-enactment of "El Grito de Independencia." This call for independence dates back to September 15, 1810, when Fr. Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, a village priest, who is known as the father of Mexico, gave the call for independence.

The tradition of "El Grito" dates back to the night of September 15, 1810, when Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, a village priest, had been moved by the poverty of his parishioners, who, due to the rigid laws imposed by the Spaniards could do little to benefit themselves economically. Defying the laws, Fr. Hidalgo began to instruct his people in crafts and agriculture. He also began to hold meetings at the home of Dona Josefa Ortiz de Dominguez (La Corregidora). Fr. Hidalgo eventually used the meeting to advocate revolution against Spain.

The Spanish government took action, but due to her husband s position as mayor Dona Josefa found out that soldiers had been sent to arrest Fr. Hidalgo, and she sent a message warning him. Thus informed, Fr. Hidalgo decided to move up his plans. Fr. Hidalgo rang the church bells of Dolores, assembled the people of the village, and called for Mexico s independence, life for Mexico, and recognition of the Catholic Church. The assembled crowd of about 600 people took up the battle cry of "Death to the Gachupines(Spanish)."

On the morning of September 16, 1810, Mexican forces set out to defend their freedom, marching behind two flags featuring La Virgen de Guadalupe, Mexico s patron saint and the other flag bearing the colors of red, white, and green which is still Mexico's flag colors.

Father Hidalgo would not live to see his vision become a reality. Hidalgo was captured and killed within six months. His head was cut off and displayed for ten years in Guanajuato, Mexico.

In memory of the long struggle for independence from Spanish rule, September 16 marks the Fiestas Patrias (patriotic festival) with music, dancing, and traditional foods. For Hispanics of Mexican decent, the fiestas provide an opportunity to experience the cultural traditions and the rich heritage of this annual festival.