After taking a year off due to the coronavirus pandemic, the “Festival Fiestas Patrias” returned over the Labor Day weekend and welcomed thousands of people to the space outside Village Hall for an event that included food, carnival rides and entertainment.
Organizers explained that the festival is geared toward celebrating Mexican heritage, and, more specifically, Mexican independence, which is generally celebrated overnight starting Sept. 15.
The festival took place Sept. 3-6 and included vendors, singing and dancing performances, and visits from dignitaries of the Mexican Consulate in Chicago. There was also a parade this year, for the first time.. A crowd estimated in the the thousands turned out to what officials described as a celebration similar to the Fourth of July in the United States.
Organized by Don Paco Promotions, Mundelein Community Connections and Los Magueyes Mexican Grill in Mundelein, the festival kicked off Friday, Sept. 3 and ran through Labor Day. The inaugural festival was hosted in 2019 and saw about 12,000 people attend, according to organizers.
After not taking place last year because of the pandemic, village Trustee Sol Cabachuela said she felt the four-day event this year encapsulated Mexico, which she called “heartwarming” to see.
“There’s so many people that can’t go back home for many reasons,” she said. “And to be able to bring it here locally in Mundelein…that was it to me.”
Vendors from across the country sold homemade items such as jewelry, ceramics or art. Isaac Helguera, owner of Pinturas Al Oleo, sold his paintings at the festival. Traveling from Arkansas, Helguera said he opened his business five years ago. He said it was his first time in the area and he decided to attend after someone told him about it.
Mexican food — tacos, burritos, enchiladas — as well as American fare, such as hamburgers and hot dogs, were available. Mexican beer was also available.
Cabachuela noted that Sept. 15-16 is when several Latin American countries celebrate their independence. She said while the festival in Mundelein predominantly celebrated Mexico, there were other countries to celebrate, as well, and flags from different countries in Latin America and the Caribbean were on display.
Fabian Rosales, 33, of Lake County, said it was his first time at Festival Fiestas Patrias and he attended with his family. He said the main thing that brought them out was to find something to do for his kids, particularly before summer ends.
“The food is good … and the music as well, but I think the main thing is to do something with the family,” he said.
Jessica Maqueda, 28, of Mundelein, said she loved the food and horchata. The show was also nice, she said. She attended with her daughter and son, and he played soccer with a group of other kids.
“We’ve had so much fun,” she said. “It’s for all of the family.”
Mundelein Mayor Steve Lentz said he attended Sunday night and called it “fantastic” to see as many families in attendance as there were.
“It was a huge success,” he told Pioneer Press. “Extremely well-organized, and I really enjoyed the joyful energy.”
