Community Corner

Mexican Independence Day Event in the Works in Dixon

The Downtown Dixon Business Association is partnering with St. Peter's Catholic Church to hold a unique event in Dixon that will celebrate Mexican heritage.

As legend tells, it was El Grito – Spanish for ‘The Yell’ – that signaled the end of foreign control over Mexican citizens circa Sept. 16, 1810. Now for the first time-ever in recent history, the spirit of El Grito will flow through Dixon during the city’s first Mexican Independence Day Celebration.

The is partnering with to bring this festival to fruition. The event is the brainchild of Ana Tejeda, a bright UC Davis student who works as the DBBA’s office manager.

“Well the reason I wanted to do this event is because we have no event in Dixon that celebrates the Mexican culture,” Tejeda said. “Dixon has a big Hispanic community and the only events that are for them are usually from Saint Peters Church but it is very small. Hopefully by joining forces with them we can make this event a huge success.”

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Tejeda is referring to the . But any true Mexicano knows that Cinco de Mayo is not the same thing as Mexican Independence Day, which is regarded among Mexicans living in Dixon as the day when Mexico broke free of Spanish control.

“Both the U.S., Mexico, and many other nations had a struggle for independence, so we should celebrate our common victory,” Tejeda said.

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According to legend, it was Father Miguel Hidalgo who rallied his countrymen against the Spanish rulers who occupied Mexico during 1810, by yelling the cry of “Viva Mexico!”

El Grito filled Mexican with pride and gave them the gusto that they needed to defeat the Spaniards. Today, the day is widely recognized through California and many Mexican communities throughout the country.

What does this day entail for Dixon?

The DDBA and St. Peter's Catholic Church plan to hold a festival filled with music, food, and activities for the children and adults alike. They are working alongside the City of Dixon to get permission to close down the streets, perhaps near the church and the DDBA’s office, to hold the event.

As of this posting, Tejeda said that they were waiting for the city’s approval to close down the streets.

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