By Stephany Trego

LAS CRUCES, NM – Thousands of people will fill the Mesilla Plaza the second week in September for the annual Mexican Independence Day celebration, Diez y Seis de Septiembre.

Celebrating their Mexican heritage, the Town of Mesilla will host its annual Diez y Seis de Septiembre festivities from noon to midnight on Saturday, Sept. 13 and from noon to 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 14. 

The holiday marks the launch of Mexico’s fight to gain independence from Spain. On September 16, 1810, Miguel Hidalgo de Costilla led the first large revolutionary forces against the Spaniards. Several years later in 1812, Hidalgo finally received what he had called for, his country’s independence. 

This fiesta in Mesilla has been going on since the late 1800s, with only a 10 year break from 1980 to 1990.

“Mesilla celebrates Diez y Seis de Septiembre because of the ties it has to Mexico,” said Kristie Medina, event coordinator for Mesilla. “At one time, the Mesilla area was claimed by Mexico.”

Medina explained that many early settlers of Mesilla went to live in Mexico when Mesilla became a part of the United States and as a result many residents in Mesilla have ancestors in Mexico.

A parade will kick-off the celebrations on Saturday at 11 a.m. along Avenida de Mesilla. The parade will feature floats, equestrian units, marching bands, color guards, spirit squads, antique vehicles, fire trucks and other groups.

This year’s opening ceremonies will begin at noon on Saturday, Sept. 13th and will feature representatives from the Mexican Consulate in El Paso as well as a military marching band from Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico. 

Tradition is also a reason for the festival.

“The fiesta allows Mesilla to keep traditions alive,” said Medina.
Entertainment highlights the fiesta with mariachi groups, Folkloric dance groups, Flamenco dancing, soloists and live bands.

About 30 vendor booths will line the plaza offering a variety of products including art, crafts, games, drinks and food. There will be a greased pole climb, sponsored by Andele Restaurant in Old Mesilla, and piñatas for kids.

Attendees are encouraged to bring folding chairs for their convenience, but are not allowed to bring alcohol, smoking or pets to the plaza.

For more information, contact the Las Cruces Convention & Visitors Bureau at 505-541-2150, or by email at cfaivre@las-cruces.org

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