Laura Instituto raised her children in Mundelein, which she said is a welcoming village. That’s why she’s excited the Festival Fiestas Patrias is back in Mundelein this year.
The four-day event, held Sept. 3-6 near village hall, celebrates Mexican heritage with food, dancing, singing, mariachi bands, colorful costumes, carnival rides, a parade with horses and a visit from dignitaries of the Mexican Consulate in Chicago.
Singers also can audition in a reality competition talent show Sept. 4, hosted by Estrella TV, a Hispanic television channel that searches for the best Latino talent in the U.S.
Don Paco Promotions and Mundelein Community Connection are running the event and began a “Let’s Celebrate Safe,” COVID vaccination campaign Aug. 13, 14 and 15 at Lake Plaza, 660 Lake St. Second doses will be available during the festival on Sept. 3, 4 and 5.
The festival celebrates unity as well as diversity, said Instituto, an assistant for Don Paco Promotions.
“It is important to be together, to be united — and this gets us together for all the cultures and traditions that we have,” she said. “This gives us our roots. We want to show that Mexico is not just one thing. It’s a lot of things together. We want to show that each of the states of Mexico has their own culture.”.
Instituto added that the first event held in 2019 in Mundelein brought in roughly 12,000 attendees. The event was not scheduled last September due to the pandemic.
Hours of operation for this year’s event are 3 to 11 p.m. Sept. 3; 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sept. 4 and 5; and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sept. 6. Tickets range from $5-$10 per day. Children ages 5 and under are free.
Festival Fiestas in Mexico is similar to the Fourth of July in the United States, Instituto said.
More Top Picks Best Mountain Bike Helmets
“We celebrate Mexico’s independence in September. In Mexico, the president posts a flag and the national anthem is sung,” she said. In Mundelein, members of the Mexican consulate will do the same in the afternoon on Sept. 5.
One of the main attractions is what Mexicans call mechanical games for adults and children. These are like carnival rides in the U.S., Instituto said, and are popular in Mexico.
“We’re trying to make it authentic, to have all these details exactly what you see when you were a child going to a carnival in Mexico,” she said.
A favorite is called rueda de la fortuna. Translated as wheel of fortune, it’s a type of Ferris wheel. “It takes you up really high,” Instituto said.
Artisans from Mexico also will be selling jewelry, ceramics and other homemade items showing the customs and traditions of the different states.
Live music including mariachi bands and other groups will perform. “We have more than 25 live bands, and a huge stage with professional audio equipment,” Instituto said.
A variety of folk art dancers dressed in colorful attire will also perform.
“Mexico has a huge culture with a lot of different types of dancing,” Instituto said. An emcee will explain about each dance group and the meanings of symbols on their attire, she said.
Attendees can purchase American as well as Mexican food — everything from hot dogs to hamburgers to enchiladas and burritos. Also offered will be antojitos, which means little cravings, and refers to little bites or snacks, typically soft tortilla shells with various fillings. Those ages 21 and older also can purchase Mexican beer.
A parade will begin at 11 a.m. Sept. 5, near the Village of Mundelein City Hall, and wind a few blocks in the area. The parade will include prancing horses and folkloric dancers.
Instituto said the festival celebrates tradition, roots, and a sense of belonging among all people. “We are showing everybody that we are together,” she said.
Festival Fiestas Patrias
When: Sept. 3-6
Where: Village of Mundelein, 300 Plaza Circle
Tickets: $10 for adults ages 13 and older; $5 for seniors ages 65 and older and children ages 6-12; children ages 5 and under are free
Information: 224-212-0594, facebook.com/donpacopromo
Sheryl DeVore is a freelance reporter for the News-Sun.