Press Release

For immediate release on August 1, 2007

Contact person: Julius Velasquez

Diez y Seis hotline: (512) 538-1351

Fiestas Patrias of Austin presents the 29^th annual Diez y Seis de Septiembre fiesta on September 15-16, 2007 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.

A re-enactment of the famous “Grito de Independencia” speech that was given by Fr. Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla on September 15, 1810 will take place on September 16, 2005. Enclosed is a brief history of the events that lead 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.

Headlining this year's event on Saturday, September 15, is Emilio Navairra and Rio. On Sunday, September 16, Grammy award winner Jimmy Gonzalez y El Grupo Mazz. 

Ballet folklorico dancers will perform a medley of Mexican dances that have originated from various regions of Mexico on Sunday afternoon Sept. 16. This exiting dance group has a variety of dancers of different ages who perform with colorful costumes from the different regions of Mexico.

On Saturday September 15, Mariachi Garibay will perform and on Sunday September 16, Mariach en Fuego will perform with both groups comprising eight talented musical performers.

The 2nd Annual Show Ur Ride Ese' that will be held on Saturday, September 15, from 12p until 6p. There will be nine classifications of vehicles at this 2nd annual car show event. The success of our first annual car show has made this years upcoming car event a show to look forward too. Entertainment for the car show will feature Latino hip-hop artists "The Muzic Cartel" featuring Trampia. Also performing will be Klvis Klan, Lil Ram& Dirty, Meskin, Jes Latino, and Ghost.    

 There will also be many different booths with games, face painting, and 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