By Louis Zylka The 830 Times
The annual Diez y Seis de Septiembre celebrations return to the San Felipe area beginning on Friday, Sept. 11, and continuing to Wednesday, Sept. 16.
The festivities are put together and hosted by the Brown Plaza Association (BPA) and focus on bringing together vendors, games and bands to celebrate Mexico’s Independence Day. Dolores Martinez, director of the events and treasurer of BPA, spoke with The 830 Times about the festivities and her thoughts on the upcoming celebrations.
Before the annual three-day event, the opening ceremony and a queen coronation will take place at the historic Brown Plaza, 305 Cantù St., on Friday, Sept. 11, at 7 p.m. Martinez said there will be a few vendors on Friday evening, and the coronation will begin at 7:30 p.m. Sofia Gamez Navejar will be crowned Miss Diez y Seis de Septiembre, and the title of Grand Marshal will be given to Pedro “Pete” De Hoyos. Students from Cardwell Elementary will also be performing songs and dances on Friday.
Friday’s celebrations will also have the “Competition of the Trompo” (tricks involving neighborhood street games), which Martinez said is a tradition BPA wants to bring back to Del Rio. She said prizes will be passed around to the participants of the competition. The Taco Riendo Glow 5K will also begin after the coronation at 8 p.m.
BPA will be giving away special mystery prizes for people who can find chihuahua toys hidden around the city. The toys will be hidden starting on Friday, and the hints and clues will also be posted on the BPA official Facebook page starting on the same day.
The three-day event begins on Monday, Sept. 14, with vendors setting up at 4 p.m. The music performances for Monday will be from Ballet Folklorico Macuilxochitl dance group and Mariachi Relampage.
This year’s night parade theme will focus on “El Grito de Delores,” which is a tribute to the historic battle cry that ignited the revolt for Mexican independence. People still interested in joining the parade can text (830)-703-9870.
“El Grito” will take place at 9 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 15. The music for Tuesday will be from Iluzol, and Dolores said the Queen City Belles have also been scheduled to perform in Tuesday’s lineup. The final day of festivities will be Wednesday, Sept. 16, and music will be provided by 50 Vuelo.
While attending Brown Plaza, people must bring their own chairs and are not allowed to bring ice chests. Martinez also asks people to respect others and their surroundings, clean up after themselves and lastly, to have a good time.
“I would like to invite everyone to our festivities that will be taking place in the historic Brown Plaza on our three-night (event). On behalf of all the members of BPA, come and enjoy three days of festivities and fun,” Martinez said.
