Locals celebrate at the Fiesta de Independencia in observance of Mexico’s Independence Day

This event is celebrated annually in conjunction with Hispanic Heritage Month, where all over the United States, people gather to recognize Latin American heritage and the contributions that many Latino Americans have made to the U.S. and beyond.

The day was filled with a variety of traditional Mexican musical and dance performances and a wide selection of vendors selling everything from traditional jewelry to a variety of Latin American dishes.

“I came because I’m Mexican and because this event is in observance of Mexico’s Independence Day,†Fenix, a local musician who performed at the festival, said. “Also, I thought this would be a good opportunity for me to perform in front of my people.â€

As an artist who describes his genre of music as a mix of reggaetón, rap, trap and Latin rhythms, Fenix is no stranger to Memphis and has only performed and recorded his music in the Bluff City.

“Most of the time when I make music, I do it here,†Fenix said. “All my shows and recordings I do here. I’m working on getting more exposure, but I haven’t branched out of Memphis yet.â€

Also present at the festival was community activist Cristina Candori, 50, who came to spread the word about local organization Communidades Unidas en Una Voz.

“At the government level, we don’t have anyone representing the Latino community,†Candori said. “I think that the Latino community represents itself in Memphis. I feel as though city leaders could work better with the immigrant community and not just the Latino community and that there should be immigrants in leadership positions in the government, so they can better represent immigrants in the city.â€

Candori also said she would like to see more efforts being made for immigrants to have the opportunity to live without restrictions.

“We are trying to get more resources available for immigrants to be able to obtain their driver’s license and state identification cards,†Candori said. “The IDs would be for people who can’t get any other form of identification because of their status. Also, at the national level, we want to get the government to pass an immigrant reform (Dream Act) that would be just for immigrants nationwide.â€

As a spectator, Isabel Santos, a 44-year-old salesperson for Nutrición Herbalife and a native of Mexico, came to celebrate her country’s milestone with other members of the Latino community in Memphis.

“We reflect on the traditions of my country by having celebrations,†Santos said. “I also talk to my children about their heritage, and we try to preserve the traditions of Mexico.† 

Although changes could be made to better accommodate Latinos living in the city, Santos said she approves of the way Memphis represents the Latino community.

“The representation is good,†Santos said. “I feel happy because I’ve seen many events that reflect Latin culture in Memphis.â€