By Louis Zylka
The 830 Times
The annual Diez y Seis de Septiembre celebrations will take place from Sunday, September 14, through Tuesday, September 16.
Organized by the Brown Plaza Association (BPA), this three-day event will feature live music, food trucks, and a vibrant atmosphere for friends and families to enjoy. Dolores Martinez, the director of events and treasurer of BPA, spoke with The 830 Times, providing insights into this year’s Mexican Independence Day celebrations.
Martinez announced that this year’s grand marshal is Blanca Coronado, while Reyna Diaz will be the parade marshal. Claudia Lopez Cruz, one of the event organizers, gave information about both Coronado and Diaz. Coronado works at the Allstate Insurance agency in Del Rio and enjoys seeing the community coming together during festive events. Diaz works as a real estate broker and owner of SEL Realty, LLC. Diaz enjoys the tradition of celebrating with family and friends during festive events.
Festivities will commence on Sept. 14 with the Inaugural
TacoRiendo 5K, which will occur prior to the annual night parade. The run begins at 6:30 p.m. at the Val Verde County Courthouse, continuing through the San Felipe Creek areas and along Garza Street. Registration for the 5K will be $20.
The annual night parade will start at 8 p.m., proceeding down Garza Street. The theme for this year’s parade is “El Jardín de la Independencia” (the Garden of Independence). People can participate in the parade for free as long as their floats fit the theme of the parade.
On the first day, entertainment go on from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. Music will be provided by DJ Mike and Mariachi Inevitable, alongside dance performances by Ballet Folklorico Macuilxochitl.
On Monday, Sept. 15, music and entertainment will run from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., featuring performances by Los Sabrosos de la Cumbia and Loz De La A. The opening ceremonies and coronation of Miss Diez y Seis de Septiembre will take place at 8 p.m., followed by El Grito de Dolores La Independencia de Mexico at 9 p.m. El Grito is a tribute to the historic battle cry that ignited the revolt for Mexican independence.
The final day of the festival, Tuesday, Sept. 16, will also begin at 4 p.m. and conclude at 10 p.m. Music will be provided by Los Alegres De Ruben Tellez and Los Escorpiones Del Norte.
Martinez said approximately 9,000 people attended last year’s Diez y Seis de Septiembre celebrations. BPA aims to invite as many attendees as possible this year, with a goal of reaching or exceeding 12,000 participants, including visitors from out of town.
