PRESS RELEASE — I am honored to serve as the President of the Mexican Heritage Association as such I am excited to present and celebrate alongside you; our neighbors, friends, and families the 50th annual Celebration of “La Fiesta Mexicana”. During this monumental milestone, I reflect on the importance of sharing our culture to create a welcoming and embracing community in Grand Rapids, especially during these challenging times.

Fifty years ago La Fiesta Mexicana started with a dream. A group of women decided to share their culture with a traditionally Mexican event called “Kermés”. A “Kermés" can be best described as a combination of a food and artisan market along with a collection of performances from local artists. The first Fiesta Mexicana was organized to be an intimate gathering for the people from the local church. The result was a much larger festivity including horses and a parade through the city.

In 1998 I had the opportunity to work with the amazing team of people
from the original planning committee, and because of them, I continue to be fueled by the same spirit that powered the creation of “La Fiesta Mexicana” to celebrate alongside you its 50th anniversary. It is within our nature as a community to overcome any situation because we are a group of hard-working people with many different dreams and a passion to share our culture and traditions with you.

This is why it’s so important now more than ever to share the great news that we continue to overcome, to be resilient, proud, and grateful for the beautiful city of Grand Rapids. I thank our community for letting us celebrate 50th years of tradition, culture, history, perseverance, and success.

Join us in celebration and you will enjoy actives such as traditional and modern music, food, beverages, dancers, shopping, as well as activities for children and the child at heart.

Our friends from the KDL library, The Art Museum of Grand Rapids and many more are coming together to support our celebration, most importantly we need the support from you, our community. I am eager to share in this milestone with the beautiful community of Grand -Rapids in our ever-growing downtown.

With a warm embrace, Gabriella De LaVega

What: La Fiesta Mexicana
When: September 13,14,15 (Friday, Saturday, Sunday)
Where: Calder Plaza 300 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI
Cost: Free entry