Fiestas Patrias in Aurora a celebration of culture, music
Antonia Jaquez de Yorkville said that she was born in Durango, Mexico, and was delighted to come to Aurora for the two-day Patrians celebration in the city this weekend which focused on her native culture.
“I came here, several times. I like everything-music, food, everything about it,” she said, stopping to get a t-shirt that promoted the event. “I think it’s great that the city highlights our culture and brings it here. I lived and worked in Aurora and I hope to be able to stay all the time. ”
The Fiestas Patria events this weekend are put in partnership by the City in partnership with its Advisory Committee for Hispanic Heritage. The celebration includes a festival held in Wilder Park on Saturday and a parade on Sunday which should start at 11 a.m. in downtown Aurora near Broadway and Benton Street.
From noon on Saturday, the Wilder Park festival presented a wide range of entertainment, including performance of the Folklorico Quetzalcoatl ballet and seven different musical acts, as well as food, drinks and more.
The officials said that the celebration of the Fiestas Patia in Aurora dates back over 15 years.
Jon Zaghloul, director of communications for the city of Aurora, said that “with the majority of this city being of Hispanic or Latino origin, it is really an excellent opportunity to engage the most populous public in the city while honoring culture and traditions.”
Zaghloul said that the celebration offers something for all the Aurorans, including the return Sunday return of the Fiestas Patia parade, which was held for the last time in the city in 2019.
“We strongly plan that this parade highlighting a ton of people to spend time and seeing more than 40 tanks,” he said.
Jaquez’s husband, Isais Portillo, said on Saturday that he had come to the festival before and loved food and music.
“The food here is always good and it’s very authentic. It’s like what we have in Mexico,” he said.
Rob Reale de Bensenville said it was his first time to celebrate Fiesta Patrians in Aurora.
“I can’t wait to see the dances and check music and performance,” he said.
Alex Gonzalez, from Montgomery, said that she had come to the event before and likes “that she is authentic and that she gives back to the community and returns to culture”.
“Our parents come from Mexico, so it’s great,” said Gonzalez. “For me, it is important to bring the message out of our culture – to learn more about our culture, our food and our celebration. It is very important. I can’t wait to present the presentation of the flags today because that’s what my daughter does. ”
Gonzalez’s daughter Gianna Ferrer, 10, said it would be in the flag ceremony during the event that would include a dance.
“My mother has chosen my dress. I feel like a princess today,” said Gianna with a smile. “I can’t wait to see my friends. It seems that it will be fun. ”
David Sharos is an independent journalist for the Beacon-News.
