The day-long event celebrating Mexican Independence Day kicked off with a parade from the Tracy Transit Station along Central Avenue to McDonald Park.
Assistant City Manager Maria Hurtado and Tracy Police Capt. John Espinoza served as honorary parade marshals.
Also honored in the parade were Tillie Rangel Castellon, 93, who was queen the 1935 Mexican Independence Day celebration, and Cindy Barbosa, 16, this year’s fiesta queen. Queens of other past 16th of September celebrations were also in the parade.
At McDonald Park, music was provided by Latin Essence and dancing by members of Nuestra Herencia Mexicana, a Tracy folklorico dance group.
“El Grito,” the story of Mexican Independence and subsequent revolutions was told by Raul Nava Villa, grandson of Pancho Villa. Roy Garcia and Danny Dunne also spoke.
A handball tournament sponsored by Angel Hernandez provided trophies to winners.
The day-long fiesta was sponsored by the South Side Community Association. Angelo Santos was fiesta chairman.
Why would you imagine a 4th of July celebration in Mexico? We aren't invading their country.
I'm not bothered by ethnic celebrations. People want something to validate their existence.
I hope you have many more years of good health and friends to enjoy more in the upcoming future Mrs. Castellon. :o)