Mexican Independence Day festival in Milwaukee celebrates culture, freedom

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) — Milwaukee’s Hispanic group had an early celebration for Mexican Independence Day throughout a competition Saturday, Sept. 10.

The competition in Bay View, organized by UMOS, introduced collectively lots of of individuals to have fun Mexican tradition.

Mexican Independence Day is on Sept. 16, the day Mexico declared freedom from Spain in 1810.

That is UMOS’ 49^th 12 months holding a celebration for the Mexican custom.

“I am from Mexico and yearly we have fun today. It is essential to us as a result of it is freedom for our nation,” mentioned attendee, Gio Velasquez.

The gathering shared Mexican tradition by means of music, handmade merchandise and meals.

The occasion needed to be cancelled for the final two years as a consequence of COVID.

The competition’s organizer, Carmen Lerma, was hit particularly onerous by the pandemic.

“I really was a survivor. A COVID survivor. I had a double lung transplant finished,” Lerma mentioned. “So after virtually 5 months within the hospital, I got here again and that is what I wished to do.”

The competition’s return is further particular for Lerma, and for UMOS, a non-profit group that helps Milwaukee’s Hispanic inhabitants.

“We achieve this a lot for the group, however the group additionally does so much for us. So, we need to give again in any means attainable,” Lerma mentioned.

Above all, it is a significant custom, displaying appreciation and love for Milwaukee’s Mexican group and tradition.

“It is essential to know the place you come from,” mentioned attendee, Joselin Granillo.

Organizers with UMOS hope their 50^th anniversary of the competition subsequent 12 months shall be their largest one but.