As thousands gathered Saturday to commemorate 105 years of Mexican independence at Denver’s El Grito de la Independencia Festival, an unexpected shout echoed from the main stage:
“Viva America!”
“In a way, it is a celebration of their success in the U.S., but also not to forget their culture and their roots,” event coordinator Denny Thompson said.
The two-day weekend festival offers authentic Mexican food from local vendors, live entertainment, games and shopping spread out over three blocks on Santa Fe Drive.
Mexican Independence Day, Sept. 16, recalls Father Miguel Hidalgo’s cry for independence from Spanish rule in 1810 and his march to Mexico City under the banner of the Virgin de Guadalupe.
Mexican Americans say the festival has more cultural significance than the widely popular Cinco de Mayo celebration in May. And it’s getting bigger every year.
“It’s starting to outgrow this street,” Thompson said.
He estimated more than 50,000 people would attend the festival this year.
Dozens of tents and vendor booths along the street merged Mexican culture with American themes. Taco vendors stood alongside hot dog and funnel cake vendors. Posters of Janet Jackson and Pope John Paul II were laid out on tables draped with Mexican flags.
Eliberto Palafox, owner of Financiera de Mexico, a mortgage company for the Hispanic community, handed out free popcorn to people waiting in a long line to spin his “wheel of fortune.” Contestants played for T-shirts, small prizes and a chance to step into the coveted money booth to grab at dollar bills blown around by a fan.
Palafox said it is not just prizes that draw more people to his tent. He said people recognize him from television commercials he does for his rapidly growing startup business.
“We’re doing awesome,” Palafox said of his business.
For many Mexican Americans, Denver’s El Grito festival is a testament to a successful new life in another country.
But patriotism runs deep among festivalgoers, and most are quick to divulge where their heart lies.
Francisco Villalobos, 13, who was born in Mexico and moved to Denver when he was very young, said he considers himself more Mexican than American.
“Mexico is my country and I love it,” he said.
Staff writer Abbe Smith can be reached at 303-820-1201 or asmith@denverpost.com.
