16 de Septiembre Commission Celebrates 12th Anniversary with New Events and Larger Venues
FOTOSEPTIEMBRE and Viva Mi Cultura join the list of festivities

Shutterbugs, dancers, children and mariachi fans will discover the 12th anniversary of the Diez y Seis celebration has something special in store for them. Mayor Pro Tem Richard Perez joined the City of San Antonio’s 16 de Septiembre Commission and young performers from the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center for this year’s official kickoff of Mexico’s Independence Day celebration.

“Today, we remember the struggle for independence by our neighbors to the south. That revolution was led by Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla who is known as the Father of Mexico’s Independence,” said Perez.

Perez announced two new events for the 2006 celebration--a vintage photo exhibit and dance demonstration. FOTOSEPTIEMBRE USA and the Institute of Texan Cultures are partnering with the commission for a photography exhibit commemorating Diez y Seis de Septiembre celebrations from the early 1900’s to 1940’s. Diez y Seis de San Antonio FOTOSEPTIEMBRE went on display today at the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center and will be open for the public to browse and enjoy until September 22.

Twirling, colorful skirts and the distinctive sound of dance shoes will fill the Guadalupe Theater during the Viva Mi Cultura Dance Demonstration on Wednesday, September 13, at 1:30 p.m. Area schools are invited to this interactive lecture and dance demonstration aimed at developing a deeper appreciation and understanding for Mexican culture and traditions.

Two other events, Festival de Los Niños and the Mariachi Concert, will take place at La Villita this year, giving San Antonians and visitors the opportunity to soak in a full day of family fun complete with music, performances and free, tasty treats.

Festival de Los Niños, a 16 de Septiembre Commission event in partnership with Wal-Mart, is scheduled from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 16, in Plaza Juarez. Cat Paws, the Magik Children’s Theatre, the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center youth troupe and Perpetual Puppets will entertain the crowds.

Lively tunes will resound along the San Antonio River as The Mariachi Concert keeps families entertained at the Arneson River Theatre from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Middle school to college groups will perform along with ballet folklorico dancers.

Other traditional mainstays for the 2006 celebration are as follows:
Friday, September 8, 6 p.m. - Fiestas Patrias en la Avenida Guadalupe
Diez y Seis Gala
Sunday, September 10, 8 a.m. - 16 de Septiembre Mass
Sunday, September 10, 2 p.m. - Diez y Seis Scholarship Awards Reception
Friday, September 15, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. - Senior Kermes
September 15 – 17 - Diez y Seis Fiestas Patrias Celebration at Market Square
Friday, September 15, 7 p.m. - Official Ceremony of “El Grito”
Saturday, September 16, 10 a.m. - Civic Ceremony
Saturday, September 16 - Fiestas Patrias en la Avenida Guadalupe Parade/Festival

A complete calendar of events, including Hispanic Heritage Month activities at City libraries, is available at the Diez y Seis website, www.sanantonio.gov/diezyseis.

The goal of the local Diez y Seis Commission is to promote an understanding of the historical significance of Mexico’s Independence Day through cultural events, celebrations and educational endeavors.

For more information, visit the website or call Mariscela Aguirre at 207-8979.