FCC Celebrates Mexican Independence Day

Fresno City College’s 2014 Mexican Independence day celebration dazzled with Mariachi, Folklorico dancers and abundant ethnic foods.

“This Mexican independence day celebration is a great way to allow students to get out and experience a cultural event, whether that be through the performers, dancers or also some of the food,” said Janice Wong, college center assistant.

Multiple performers took to the stage to sing in front of the Mariachi band including FCC student Hector Avalos.

“I have been having this itch to perform. I perform a lot and I sing a lot so this was kind of just the perfect venue to make me want to come up.” said Avalos. “So I just went up there and did it.”

Avalos also understands that performing at an event like Mexican Independence day isn’t just singing a song, it is providing context for others to understand his culture.

“I just love my culture, and I think that it’s dying out for sure.” Avalos said. “Even the Mariachi has become a comical kind of thing, but it is a legitimate art form and it’s beautiful and it embodies so much with these antiquated songs that I want to keep alive.”

The FCC Folklorico dancers also made an appearance to entertain the crowd with the traditional moves.

“The dances that the students performed today, I mentioned in the introduction, was banned in 1776 not too long before Mexico’s independence.” said Ray Ramirez, instructor of Dance 27 – folklorico dance. “I think it’s important for the community to know that.”

While the spectacle was seen by many, those who truly know the cultural significance of September 16 in Mexican culture feel the need to participate in some way.

“There is so much passion and pain and pride, all of these things that I think are just cornerstones of being Mexican.” Avalos said. “It’s a part of my culture and this is just one way that I can contribute.”

“One of our roles down at student activities is outside of the classroom learning. Cultural Awareness, Diversity and involvement here on campus,”

Video by: Cresencio Rodriguez