OCEANSIDE–On September 13, Oceanside will kick off National Hispanic Heritage Month with its 11th annual Noche Mexicana.
This fun, free, family event, open to the public, will take place at the Oceanside Civic Center Plaza, 300 N. Coast Highway, from 1:00 to 7:00 p.m. Beginning with a blessing by the Aztec Dancers, the event will include performances by Ballet Folklorico Tapatio de Oceanside, Mariachi Juvenil de Chula Vista, Los Viejitos Corazon Purepecha, and other Latino bands and local singers. The event will close with a representative from the Mexican Consulate, who will present a special re-enactment of the Grito de Dolores (“Cry for Independence”).
In addition to dance and musical entertainment, there will be exhibitions by SoCal Pro Wrestling and free activities for the children, sponsored by the Oceanside Public Library, as well as food and other retail booths.
“The first time we celebrated the fiestas patrias in Oceanside 11 years ago, it was very emotional,” said Oceanside City Council Member Esther Sanchez. “Young and old, our residents feel pride in Mexican history and culture, as do I. This year’s celebration will be the greatest.”
“My involvement began several years ago,” added Luis Oceguera, an Oceanside resident. “I wanted to give our kids an alternative to the streets, so I started a professional ballet folklorico dance company. We are doing so well, I am excited about beginning a youth mariachi performance class, here in Oceanside.”
The event is sponsored by the City of Oceanside, Friends of Oceanside Parks, Oceanside Public Library, Oceanside Firefighters Association, Oceans Eleven Casino, La Perla Tapatia, Hispanic Chamber of eCommerce, Maximum Real Estate Services, Vista Community Clinic, and Ballet Folklorico Tapatio de Oceanside.
For more information, call (760) 435-3057 or email, mailto:esanchez@ci.oceanside.ca.us.
