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The Fiestas Patrias commemorates the Grito de Dolores (the Cry of Dolores), which was the event that marks the beginning of the Mexican War of Independence from Spain.
On September 16, 1810, Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla a Roman Catholic priest in the small town of Dolores ordered the church bells rung and when the parishioners were gathered, he encouraged them to revolt. Four days later the town of Guanajuato was taken by a makeshift army led by Hidalgo beginning the revolt that would lead to independence. Hidalgo was captured in July and executed.
The Fiestas Patrias is celebrated throughout Mexico and in the United States of America in areas with large populations of people of Mexican heritage. In the Town of Mammoth and the Tri-Community, the celebration has been an annual event. At one time the Fiesta Patrias was a huge event in Mammoth. According to a San Manuel Miner newspaper in 1962, the event was a three day celebration and they were expecting 15,000 visitors to attend. There was a large parade, sky divers, music, dances, food, entertainment, baseball and softball games. Delegates from the Mexican Consulate attended as did many local politicians. People from around the state and Mexico would attend.
Although the event has dwindled in size the spirit of the celebration continues on. This year’s Fiesta will be held on Saturday Sept. 19 at the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Mammoth. Blessed Sacrament is located just off Hwy. 77. For more information, please contact the church at (520) 487-2451.
Superior’s Fiestas are hosted by the St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church over two days, Sept. 12 and 13. This is the 36th year for the church in Superior to host such an event. Planned are mariachis, folklorico dancers, car show and lots of good food and great fellowship. St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church is located at 11 Church Ave. (Main St. and Church Ave.) in Superior. For more information, please contact the church at (520) 689-2250 or visit www.stfrancissuperior.org.
Miami’s Fiestas will be held on Sept. 12 on Sullivan St. in Miami. Sullivan St. is one block off Hwy. 60. For more information, please call 602-510-1809.
John Hernandez lives in Oracle. He is retired and enjoys writing and traveling. He is active in the Oracle Historical Society. He covers numerous public events, researches historical features and writes business/artist profiles.
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