Part party and part history, Fiestas Patrias — the celebration of Mexico’s independence from Spain — drew tens of thousands of people to Civic Center on Sunday.
Some came for the food, the lengthy line-up of bands on dueling stages or just to get out of the house on a sunny afternoon.
Many longtime attendees also touted the festival as a way to stay in touch with their roots.
Ruben Estrada, 31, hovered near a bounce house holding his 6-year-old son Nikes. He and friend Ismael Mendoza, 32, both said they use Fiestas Patrias to educate their children about Mexico’s birth as an independent nation.
“We’re American, but you have to know where you come from too,” Estrada said. “We teach our kids so they don’t lose their history.”
Authorities expected up to 75,000 people.
Jessica Fender: 303-954-1244 or jfender@denverpost.com
