Mexican Independence Day Celebrated In Downtown Austin Sunday

## Mexican Independence Day Celebrated in Downtown Austin Sunday Viva Mexico! The vibrant sixth annual Mexican Independence Day Festival will take over Republic Square Park in downtown Austin on Sunday from noon to 9 p.m. This free, family-friendly event expects to draw more than 80,000 people to celebrate the el grito, or cry of independence, which marks the beginning of the Mexican War of Independence in 1810. The festival will feature live music, dance performances, art vendors, a kids’ zone and authentic Mexican food and drinks. This year's festival will see performances by DJ Kane, Grupo Fantasma, Los Skarnales, Gina Chavez, Piñata Protest, Mariachi Aztlan and Ballet Folklorico de Austin. The annual event also will include a mercadito, or marketplace, with more than 70 local vendors offering handmade crafts, clothing, antiques, paintings and jewelry. "Mexican Independence Day is such an important cultural event in Austin, and the festival is a wonderful way to celebrate our city's rich diversity," said Mayor Steve Adler. "This event is a celebration of the culture and heritage of Mexico, and of the city that we all share together."