Mexican Independence Day Celebration a Success Despite the Rain

FORT VALLEY, Ga. – Despite the on-and-off downpours, Downtown Fort Valley was awash with bright colors, festive music, and happy faces at the Mexican Independence Day Celebration. The celebration took place on Friday, Sept. 13 in Downtown Fort Valley, with the festivities lasting from 6 to 11 p.m.

The evening consisted of various performances ranging from multiple forms of dancing to lasso spinning. Later in the evening, multiple pinatas were hung up for the children to take a chance at breaking the candy inside.

This year the event was throughout the downtown area, compared to last year which was primarily focused around the gazebo. There were numerous strings of Papel Picado (tissue paper cut with elaborate designs) with cut-out standees for families and friends to take pictures. For younger children, there were a couple of bouncy castles, and for older audiences, there was a mechanical bull ride.

National Hispanic Heritage Month, which begins on Sept. 15, is meant to celebrate and recognize the contributions and influence of Hispanic Americans to the history, culture, and achievements of the United States. 

In 1810, Mexico left Spain in what would be the Mexican War of Independence. The birthplace of Mexico’s independence is Dolores Hidalgo, also known as Dolores Hidalgo Cuna de la Independencia Nacional (Dolores Hidalgo Birthplace of [Mexican] National Independence). Originally the small town was simply known as Dolores but that was changed after the Catholic Priest Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla let out the cry for independence for Mexico. After Mexico achieved Independence, the town was renamed Dolores Hidalgo in honor of Hidalgo y Costilla, who became recognized as the Father of the Nation.

Event Coordinator, Maria Valencia, was happy with the turnout from the Peach County community.

“The overall turnout was really good! The rain did not stop the people from coming out and enjoying their family night out in our own Downtown Fort Valley,” Valencia said.

Valencia listed some of her favorite moments from the evening, namely a performance of the Mexican National Anthem by a young member of the community.

“The National Anthem, sung by our young community member, reminded me how important it was for our children to be part of their own culture,” Valencia said. “It was a nice way to embrace our Hispanic Culture in our diverse community.”

Valencia also took a moment to express her gratitude to the people and organizations who helped make this celebration possible.

“Thank you to all our sponsors City of Fort Valley, Peach County Tourism Committee, SunMark Community Bank, Jahi LLC DBA Pop-In-Foodmart, Fort Valley Utility Commission, Paul Capista Agency-State Farm, Genuine Georgia Group LLC, Whitaker Family Dentistry Inc, Felton’s Red & White Grocery, Cleveland Tree Company, Truist Bank, Pearson Farm, Thomas Public Library, Lane’s Southern Orchard, and Fort Valley Downtown Development Authority for making this event a successful one!!” Valencia said.