Fiestas Patrias Celebrated in Conroe

CONROE, TX -- It was a pleasant mid-September Saturday, at Conroe’s Heritage Place Park, where hundreds of Montgomery County Hispanics turned out for ‘Fiestas Patrias’, which is a day to celebrate Latino culture, history, and the contributions of citizens whose ancestors immigrated from Mexico, the Caribbean, Central and South America, and Spain.

Fiestas Patrias signals the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month from mid-September to October each year, President Lyndon Johnson observed the first celebration period in the late sixties as Hispanic Heritage Week, with President Ronald Reagan, expanding the week to a month with legislation from 1988.

“Fiestas Patrias is for the kids,” said Sonya Ramirez, from East Montgomery County. “It’s a chance for my children to get to know and gain an understanding of their Latino heritage.”

The event offered Latin food trucks, and multiple opportunities for fair attendees to visit numerous booths set up to purchase crafts from local artisans that expressed their heritage. In addition, local non-profit groups and organizations were on hand to inform and help those in the community that needed assistance. Burbank Middle School in Houston, sent their ‘Las Aguilas de Oro’ singing and dancing group. They performed numerous songs and dances from several Mexican states such as Veracruz and Jalisco. Student Daniela Castillo did a wonderful rendition of ‘El Herradero’.

Children were able to vote for their favorite pet, play games, get their faces painted, and paint some rocks. Several traditional Folklorico dance groups entertained attendees on the stage of the park, as well as a Mariachi band that played for the crowd.

“I think it is important for this community to bring a little of Mexico to life,” said Diana Visla, of Conroe, attending with her daughter Lilly. “We need to carry on with the Latin traditions, and keep our history alive.”

Fiestas Patrias is not only celebrated in the United States, but also in Mexico, Central and South America, where most holidays are associated with independence day celebrations.