West St. Paul’s 20th annual Mexican Independence Day celebration will introduce wrestling, dancing horses and musical performances alongside past year’s activities this Saturday.

The festival, presented by West Side Boosters, has featured markets, football, a parade and family-friendly activities on Saturday, and increased the amount of food and market vendors present this year, according to Bob Cruz, West Side Booster’s Executive Director.

“My goal is to have vendors in our community be able to thrive and show their art and ideas,” Cruz said. “It’s been growing and it’s been a beautiful and positive thing for our community with the culture it brings.”

The parade will begin at 10 a.m. on Cesar Chavez Street led by the booster’s youth football program and Aztec dancers. The street will be packed with market vendors, a kid’s zone featuring arts and crafts, face painting and bounce houses, and authentic Mexican cuisine from various vendors.

The main stage, located at the intersection of Cesar Chavez Street and State Street, will highlight performances from Los Alegres Bailadores, DJ Conde, Banda Tierra Nueva de MN and Linea Norteña alongside their new wrestling and horse dancing shows.

Mexican Independence Day is celebrated on Sep. 16 and marks when Mexico declared independence from Spanish rule in 1810. The festival is part of an effort by the West Side Fiesta Committee and West Side Boosters to express Mexican culture and heritage and foster a sense of community, who collaborate to host other annual celebrations for Cinco De Mayo and Día De Los Muertos.

For more information go to: stpaulwestsidefiestas.com.

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