A Mexican caballero gallops with his horse during a Mexican Independence Day parade in Downtown San Jose.

Large turnout marks day of Mexican independence

By: Bianca deCastro

Posted: 9/16/08

Thousands gathered at Discovery Meadow between West San Carlos Street and Woz Way in Downtown San Jose Sunday for the Fiestas Patrias, a celebration of Mexico's independence from Spain.

Fiestas Patrias was sponsored by the San Jose Mercury News and the San Jose GI Forum, the largest chapter in the country.

"I think it's one of the biggest turnouts in the last five years. It's excellent," said Charlie Lostaunau, commander of the GI Forum.

Lindsay Ladner, a senior dietetics major, was contracted to work at the event by Santa Clara County's Nutrition and Wellness Program.

"I only speak a little Spanish," she said. "It's OK, but I wish I could speak more - being here is fun."

The goals of event organizers were to bring the community together and promote a family-orientated celebration, Lostaunau said.

There were two main stages that produced continuous entertainment the entire day and a section for arts and crafts, allowing children and adults to create cultural art.

Craft participants had the option to choose from decorating the Mexican flag, a sombrero, noisemakers or creating the popular craft called "God's Eye," where various colors of yarn were woven into Popsicle sticks to create a design resembling an eye.

Most food booths were lined with dozens of people, many perspiring from the heat. Although the temperature was recorded in the mid-80s, one SJSU student said it felt much warmer.

"It's so hot," said Carlos Reyes, a junior advertising major who was at the festival as a volunteer helping campaign for Latinas Against Cancer.

"Even though it's hot out here, it's good. It's a good learning experience. I didn't know about all these different kinds of programs," he said.

A number of booths offered free information and items, most targeted to Mexican-American communities.

Carlos Torres, a public administration graduate student, was at the festival advocating for the Network for a Healthy California - Latino Campaign. The campaign aims at promoting healthy eating and exercise.

"Even if I wasn't working, I'd be here celebrating," Torres said.

The festival had large, steady crowds of people throughout the day.

Lostaunau, who is an alumnus of SJSU and one of the event's main coordinators, estimated the event attracted about 30,000 to 40,000 people.

Although the event was labeled free on the Artsopolis Network Web site, the admission cost was $3 for adults and free for children 12 and under.

Lostaunau said Fiestas Patrias had been an excellent experience and he was happy with the number of people who attended. Lostaunau, who was recently elected as the commander of the San Jose GI forum, said he said looks forward to next year.