Artes de la Rosa holding 16 de Septiembre celebration on September 15

by Shawn Parikh

Even though Artes de la Rosa is celebrating the prestigious day of September 16 for Mexican Independence Day, they will be holding the free celebration on September 15 at 7:30 p.m. This year's festivities will feature Mariachis Sol de Tejas, Ballet Folklorico Azteca, Lotería (a Mexican game similar to Bingo), goodie bags for the kids, and Mexican food sold by Chalios Mexican Restaurant.

A quick history lesson: September 16 is when Father Miguel Hidalgo first gave the cry for independence. Traditionally, every September 15 at 11:59 p.m. Mexicans get together around every plaza or government building to give the cry of Hidalgo, "Viva Mexico!" The fight to gain independence from Spain lasted for 10 years. In Mexico this festival is very important and everything is decorated in red, green and white, the colors of the Mexican flag.

Just so you are prepared, here is a clip of people playing Lotería, but also learning to speak English: