Oceanside CA— On Sunday, September 11, Oceanside will be kicking off National Hispanic Heritage Month with the 12th Annual Noche Mexicana. This fun, free, family event, open to the public, will take place at the Oceanside Civic Center Plaza, 300 N. Coast Highway, from 1:00 – 7:00 p.m.
The event will begin with a Color Guard by the Oceanside Fire Department, in honor of September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance, followed by a moment of silence.
Following will be a blessing by the Aztec Dancers. The event will include performances by Ballet Folklorico Tapatio de Oceanside, Mariachi Juvenil de Chula Vista and other Latino bands and local singers. The event will close with a representative from the Mexican Consulate, who will present a special re-enactment of the Grito de Dolores (“Cry for Independence”).
In addition to the dance and musical entertainment, there will be a special presentation by Victor Villaseñor, exhibitions by SoCal Pro Wrestling, Por Siempre Car Club line of classic cars, free activities for the children sponsored by the Oceanside Public Library, and food, artisan, retail and informational booths.
“The first time we celebrated the fiestas patrias in Oceanside 12 years ago, it was very emotional,” said Oceanside City Council Member Esther Sanchez. “Young and old, our residents feel pride in Mexican history and culture, as do I. This year’s celebration will be the greatest.”
“My involvement began several years ago,” added Luis Oceguera, an Oceanside resident. “I wanted to give our kids an alternative to the streets, so I started a professional ballet folklorico dance company. We are doing so well, I am excited about beginning a youth mariachi performance class, here in Oceanside.”
This community event is made possible by the generous contributions of our sponsors, including the City of Oceanside, Friends of Oceanside Parks, Oceanside Public Library, Mira Costa College Continuing Education, Oceanside Firefighters Association, Oceanside Chamber of Commerce, Oceans Eleven Casino, La Perla Tapatia, Hispanic Chamber of eCommerce, Vista Community Clinic, Ballet Folklorico Tapatio de Oceanside, Education Begins in the Home, Por Siempre Car Club, The Movement Brand, and St. Mary’s Star of the Sea Church.
About Friends of Oceanside Parks/Oceanside Noche Mexicana Committee
We are a non-profit group of Oceanside officials, residents, businesses and social service organizations, dedicated to the betterment of our city’s Latino neighborhoods and families. To learn more, call us at 760-435-3057 or by email, esanchez@ci.oceanside.ca.us. Visit us on Facebook @nochemexicanaoc and Oceanside’s Noche Mexicana 2016.